P 3.3 Sound and Waves

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Questions and Answers

What relationship exists between amplitude and sound loudness?

A larger amplitude corresponds to a louder sound.

Describe the angle of incidence and its relationship with the angle of reflection.

The angle of incidence is the angle between the incoming ray and the normal, and it equals the angle of reflection.

Explain the difference between compression and rarefaction in a longitudinal wave.

Compression is where particles are closest together, while rarefaction is where they are furthest apart.

How does the angle of refraction change when light moves between different mediums?

The angle of refraction can be greater or smaller than the angle of incidence, depending on the medium's density. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a medium in the context of wave travel?

A medium is the substance through which a wave travels. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a material to be opaque?

An opaque material does not allow light to pass through it. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of displacement, what is the significance of a vector quantity?

Displacement, being a vector quantity, denotes both the position and direction of an object's movement from its starting point. Signup and view all the answers

How do oscillations differ in transverse and longitudinal waves?

In transverse waves, oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, while in longitudinal waves, they are parallel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal in wave physics, and how is it used?

The normal is an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface of a medium, from which angles of incidence and reflection are measured. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the peak of a wave and its relevance in measuring wavelengths.

The peak is the highest point on a wave, and wavelengths can be measured from one peak to the next. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to light as it moves from air into glass, and why is this significant?

Light changes speed and direction, a phenomenon known as refraction, which is significant as it affects how we see objects. Signup and view all the answers

How can a ripple tank be utilized to investigate wave properties, and what specific measurements can it provide?

A ripple tank can be used to observe wave patterns, allowing measurement of wavelength and frequency of water waves. Signup and view all the answers

What do seismic waves tell us about the structure of the Earth?

Seismic waves provide evidence of the Earth's interior structure by revealing how waves travel through different materials. Signup and view all the answers

Define time period in the context of wave motion and its measurement units.

The time period is the duration for one complete wave to pass a point, measured in seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes translucent materials and give an example?

Translucent materials allow some light to pass through; tracing paper is an example of such material. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the term 'transmitted' in relation to wave movement between media.

'Transmitted' refers to when a wave passes from one medium to another, causing phenomena like refraction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between transparent and translucent materials, providing an example of each?

Transparent materials allow most light to pass through, like a window, while translucent materials like tracing paper allow some light but not detailed images. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a transverse wave, and can you provide an example?

A transverse wave is characterized by oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, such as light waves. Signup and view all the answers

What is a trough in wave terminology, and how is it measured?

A trough is the lowest point on a wave, and a wavelength can be measured from one trough to the next. Signup and view all the answers

Define ultrasound and mention its significance in medical imaging.

Ultrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies above 20,000 Hz, and it is significant in medical imaging for viewing unborn babies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amplitude

The maximum distance a point on a wave travels from its resting position, which is half the height of the wave
A higher amplitude means a louder sound

Angle of Incidence

The angle between the incoming light ray and the normal
This angle is always equal to the angle of reflection

Angle of Reflection

The angle between the reflected light ray and the normal
This angle is always equal to the angle of incidence

Angle of Refraction

The angle between the refracted light ray and the normal
The angle of refraction is greater or smaller than the angle of incidence depending on the density of the medium

Boundary

The edge of a material or medium
Light can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted at a boundary between two materials

Compression

A section of a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together
One compression to the next makes up one wavelength

Displacement

The position of an object relative to its starting point
Displacement is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

Frequency

The number of waves passing a point per second
Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz)

Longitudinal

A wave in which oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Sound waves are an example

Medium

The substance through which a wave travels
When light moves from one medium to another, it refracts

Normal

An imaginary line perpendicular to the surface of a medium from which angles are measured
When light moves from air to glass, it bends towards the normal.

Opaque

A material that does not allow light to pass through it
Walls are opaque.

Oscillation

When something moves back and forth regularly
Both transverse and longitudinal waves involve oscillations

Parallel

Two things moving in the same direction.
Two lines that never intersect
Oscillations in a longitudinal wave are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

Peak

The highest point on a wave
One peak to the next makes up one wavelength

Perpendicular

Two things are acting at right angles (90°) to each other
Oscillations in a transverse wave are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

Rarefaction

A section of a longitudinal wave where particles are furthest apart
One rarefaction to the next makes up one wavelength.

Reflection

Light bounces back to the medium it came from when it hits a boundary between materials.
When a light wave bounces off a surface, reflection is taking place.

Refraction

The change in speed of light as it moves from one medium to another, causing it to change direction
When light moves from air into glass, refraction is taking place

Ripple Tank

A model used to investigate the properties of water waves
The ripple tank can be used to measure the wavelength and frequency of water waves.

Seismic

Related to earthquakes.
Seismic waves have provided evidence for the structure of the Earth.

Time Period

the time taken for one complete wave to pass a point
The time period of a wave is measured in seconds.

Translucent

A material that allows some light to pass through it
Tracing paper is translucent

Transmitted

When a wave is passed from one medium to another
Refraction takes place when a wave is transmitted through a different medium.

Transparent

A material that allows most light to pass through it
A window is transparent

Transverse

A wave in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
Light waves are transverse waves.

Trough

The lowest point on a wave
One trough to the next makes up one wavelength

Ultrasound

Any sound wave that has a frequency above the range of human hearing (20,000 Hz).
Ultrasound is used in medical imaging to view unborn babies.

Velocity

The speed of an object in a given direction
Velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

Wavelength

The distance from a point on one wave to the same point on the next wave.
Wavelength is represented by the symbol λ and measured in metres.

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Description

This quiz covers fundamental concepts related to wave properties such as amplitude, compression, and the behavior of light including angles of incidence, reflection, and refraction. Test your understanding of these essential principles in physics.