topic 6- waves

• What is the distance between the same points on two consecutive waves called?

  Wavelength
• What is the distance from the equilibrium line to the maximum displacement?

  Amplitude
• How is frequency defined in wave physics?

  Number of waves passing a point per second
• What does the period of a wave represent?

  Time taken for a whole wave to pass
• What is the formula for wave velocity?

  $v =$$f \times \lambda$
• How is the period related to frequency?

  $T =$$\frac{1}{f}$
• What happens to velocity when frequency increases?

  Velocity increases
• What is the relationship between wavelength and velocity?

  Wavelength increases, velocity increases
• How is period related to frequency?

  Period is inversely proportional to frequency
• What type of wave is characterized by vibrations at right angles to the direction of travel?

  Transverse waves
• What type of wave has compressions and rarefactions?

  Longitudinal waves
• What happens to the medium when a wave travels through it?

  The wave moves, not the medium
• How can you measure the speed of sound in air using an echo?

  Record time for echo, use speed = distance/time
• How can you measure the speed of ripples on water?

  Use a stroboscope to measure distance
• What happens to waves at the boundary between two different materials?

  Waves can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted
• What is the angle of incidence equal to?

  Angle of reflection
• What occurs when light reflects off a rough surface?

  It scatters in all directions
• What happens to light when it passes through a transparent material?

  It can be transmitted and refracted
• What causes light to be absorbed by electrons?

  Frequency matches energy levels of electrons
• What happens to absorbed light energy over time?

  It is reemitted as heat
• What is the range of frequencies humans can hear?

  20 Hz to 20 kHz
• What happens to the hairs in the cochlea as humans age?

  They can die or get damaged
• What is infrasound?

  Sound waves with frequency lower than 20 Hz
• What are P waves and S waves?

  P waves are longitudinal; S waves are transverse
• How is sonar used to measure depth?

  By timing the reflection of ultrasound
• What is the speed of electromagnetic waves in space?

  Speed of light
• What happens to frequency as wavelength decreases?

  Frequency must increase
• What is the visible light spectrum?

  Part of the EM spectrum detectable by the retina
• What occurs when light enters a denser material?

  It bends towards the normal
• What is dispersion in relation to white light?

  Different wavelengths refract differently
• What happens when radio waves are absorbed?

  They create an alternating current
• What is a black body in terms of radiation?

  An object that absorbs all radiation
• What happens to a body at constant temperature?

  It absorbs and emits radiation at the same rate
• What is the effect of UV light on human skin?

  It can cause skin aging and cancer
• What is the use of X-rays in medicine?

  Medical imaging and treatment
• What is the purpose of a concave lens?

  To spread light outwards
• What is the function of a convex lens?

  To focus light inwards
• How does a colour filter work?

  It absorbs all but certain wavelengths
• What determines the color of an opaque object?

  The strength of reflection for different wavelengths
• What happens to radiation as the temperature of a body increases?

  More radiation is released per second