Mechanical Waves and Acoustics Quiz

The number of complete waves that pass a fixed point in one second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). A wave with a high frequency means it oscillates quickly.

The maximum displacement of a particle from its rest position. It is measured in meters (m). A wave with a large amplitude means it has a big swing.

The distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave. It is measured in meters (m). A wave with a long wavelength means it is spread out.

The speed at which a wave travels through a medium. It is measured in meters per second (m/s). A wave with a high speed means it travels quickly.

A wave where the particles in the medium move perpendicular to the direction the wave travels. Examples include waves on a string or light waves.

A wave where the particles in the medium move parallel to the direction the wave travels. Examples include sound waves.

A graphical representation of a wave's position over time. It shows the amplitude, wavelength, and frequency of the wave.

A wave that repeats itself over time. The period is the time it takes for one complete cycle of the wave. It is measured in seconds (s).

A flexible, one-dimensional object that can be stretched and vibrated.

The time it takes for one complete cycle of vibration.

A function that describes the displacement of a particle on a string at any given position (x) and time (t).

The difference in the phase of two points on a wave.

The highest point of displacement on a wave.

The lowest point of displacement on a wave.

The difference in position between two points on a wave. For example, the distance between two points on the string that are one wavelength apart.

The superposition of waves occurs when two or more waves pass through the same region of a medium simultaneously, resulting in a combined wave.

When a wave encounters a boundary of its medium, a portion of the wave is reflected back, creating an echo-like phenomenon.

The wave that strikes a boundary is called the incident wave, while the wave that bounces back is called the reflected wave.

The meeting point of the incident and reflected waves, where they overlap and interfere.

A fixed end of a medium, like a rope tied to a rigid support, causes the reflected wave to travel in the opposite direction of the incident wave.

A free end of a medium, like a rope with its end free to move, causes the reflected wave to travel in the same direction as the incident wave.

The combination of incident and reflected waves at a fixed end, resulting in zero displacement at the meeting point due to opposite amplitudes.

The boundary conditions of a wave system define the nature of the end of the medium, determining whether it's fixed or free, affecting how the wave is reflected.

The ratio of a fluid's viscosity to its density.

The ratio of a fluid's density to the density of a standard reference fluid.

A measure of how much force is applied over a given area.

A fluid at rest, where density is constant throughout its volume.

A fluid in motion, with changing density and velocity.

A fluid that has constant density regardless of pressure.

The unit of kinematic viscosity, equal to 1 cm²/s.

Fluids can be either static or dynamic, depending on whether they are moving or at rest.

A flexible, one-dimensional object that can be stretched and vibrated. It's used to produce sound in instruments like guitars and violins.

The frequency of a standing wave on a string is inversely proportional to the length of the string. This means that shorter strings produce higher pitches, while longer strings produce lower pitches.

The fundamental frequency of a vibrating string is the lowest frequency it can produce. It's also the pitch of the string when it's played without any fingers being pressed down on it.

The higher frequencies produced by a vibrating string are called overtones. They give the string its unique timbre or character.

The position of a particle on a vibrating string at any given time can be described by a mathematical function called the wave function. It tells us how the string is moving and how far it's displaced from its equilibrium position.

The standing wave of a string is a pattern that appears stationary even though the string is vibrating. It's formed by the superposition of waves traveling in opposite directions and reflecting at the ends.

The points on a vibrating string where the amplitude is zero are called nodes. These are the points that appear to be still.

The points on a vibrating string where the amplitude is maximum are called antinodes. These are the points that vibrate with the largest displacement.

A measure of a material's resistance to compression. It describes how much pressure is needed to change the volume of a material.

The maximum pressure fluctuation in a sound wave, determined by the bulk modulus, wave number, and displacement amplitude.

The change in volume of a cylinder due to the displacement of its ends by a sound wave. It's calculated by multiplying the cross-sectional area by the difference in displacements.

The displacement of a particle in a medium at a given position and time. It describes the wave's shape and how it moves over time.

Points in a sound wave where the pressure and density are the highest.

Points in a sound wave where the pressure and density are the lowest.

The distance between two successive compressions or rarefactions in a sound wave. It determines the pitch of the sound.

A measure of how many compressions or rarefactions pass a point in a given time. It determines the frequency of the sound.