General Properties Of Waves
Overview
Waves carry energy across a room, an ocean or the empty space between stars, yet they leave the matter they pass through more or less where it was. Ripples on a pond, a sound across a hall and light from the Sun are all waves obeying the same handful of rules.
In this lesson you will learn the vocabulary of waves (wavefront, wavelength, frequency, crest, trough, amplitude and wave speed), use the wave equation \(v=f\lambda\) to link them, and see what makes a wave transverse. These ideas underpin everything that follows about light, sound and the electromagnetic spectrum.
Objectives
- [Core] Know that waves transfer energy without transferring matter
- [Core] Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration (oscillation) in ropes and springs and by experiments using water waves
- [Core] Describe the features of a wave in terms of wavelength, frequency, crest (peak), trough, amplitude and wave speed
- [Core] Describe how waves can undergo: (a) reflection at a plane surface (b) refraction due to a change of speed
- [Core] Recall and use the equation for wave speed v = f λ
- [Supplement] Know that for a transverse wave, the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation and understand that electromagnetic radiation, water waves and seismic S-waves (secondary) are transverse
- [Supplement] Know that for a longitudinal wave, the direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of propagation and understand that sound waves and seismic P-waves (primary) are longitudinal
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on General Properties Of Waves. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- A wave has frequency 20 Hz and wavelength 0.5 m. Its speed is: A. 0.025 m/s B. 10 m/s C. 40 m/s D. 20.5 m/s Answer: B
- The amplitude of a wave is the: A. distance crest to trough B. maximum displacement from rest C. distance crest to crest D. number of crests per second Answer: B
- Which quantity is measured in hertz? A. wavelength B. amplitude C. frequency D. wave speed Answer: C
- In a transverse wave the vibration is: A. along the direction of travel B. at right angles to the direction of travel C. in a circle D. zero Answer: B
- A wave of speed 12 m/s has frequency 3 Hz. Its wavelength is: A. 0.25 m B. 4 m C. 9 m D. 36 m Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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