Wave Properties Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of pulse broadening in optical fibres?

The increase in speed of light in the fibre material.

The reduction of signal strength along the fibre.

The elongation of a signal passed down an optical fibre. (correct)

The complete reflection of light at the fibre's boundary.

Which best describes total internal reflection?

It occurs only with longitudinal waves.

Light passes through the boundary at any angle.

Light is refracted as it enters a denser medium.

Full reflection occurs at the inside boundary of an optical medium. (correct)

How is the refractive index defined?

It measures the thickness of a light wave.

It is the wavelength divided by frequency.

It is the ratio of light speeds in a vacuum to that in a material. (correct)

It is the angle of incidence divided by the angle of refraction.

What characterizes a transverse wave?

The oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. Signup and view all the answers

In Young’s Double-Slit Experiment, what is primarily observed?

The diffraction pattern of light from two narrow slits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the amplitude of a wave?

The wave's maximum displacement from its equilibrium position. Signup and view all the answers

What role does cladding play in optical fibres?

It improves the tensile strength and prevents signal transfer between adjacent fibres. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes coherence in waves?

Waves are coherent if they have the same wavelength and phase difference. Signup and view all the answers

What is diffraction?

The spreading of waves as they pass through a gap of comparable size to their wavelength. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes longitudinal waves from other types of waves?

The oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy propagation. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor causes pulse broadening in optical fibres?

Different wavelengths traveling at slightly different speeds. Signup and view all the answers

How is path difference expressed in the context of wave interference?

In terms of wavelengths of the waves. Signup and view all the answers

What is an antinode in a stationary wave?

A position of maximum displacement. Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon describes the condition when a wave does not transfer energy but merely stores it?

Stationary Wave Signup and view all the answers

What is required for polarisation to occur in a wave?

The wave must oscillate in a single plane Signup and view all the answers

Which law is utilized to relate the angles of incidence and refraction for waves at a boundary?

Snell’s Law Signup and view all the answers

In the context of waves, what does the distance between two adjacent wave peaks represent?

Wavelength Signup and view all the answers

What effect occurs when light completes reflection at the inside boundary of an optical fiber?

Total Internal Reflection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of modal dispersion in optical fibres?

It leads to varying speeds of waves due to different angles. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the significance of fringe spacing in interference patterns?

It indicates the wavelength of the light used. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a longitudinal wave compared to a transverse wave?

Its oscillations occur parallel to the direction of energy propagation. Signup and view all the answers

Which definition correctly describes 'path difference' in wave interference?

The measure of how far ahead one wave is compared to another, usually in terms of wavelength. Signup and view all the answers

How do electromagnetic waves differ from other types of waves?

They consist of oscillations in electric and magnetic fields. Signup and view all the answers

Why is material dispersion a concern in optical fibre communications?

It causes signals to arrive at different times, resulting in pulse broadening. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an antinode in a stationary wave?

It represents a point of maximum displacement. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of wave coherence, what is essential for two waves to be termed coherent?

They must have a fixed phase difference and identical wavelength and frequency. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wave Properties

Amplitude: Maximum displacement from equilibrium position
Antinode: Maximum displacement in a stationary wave
Cladding: Protective layer on optical fiber, improves tensile strength, prevents signal transfer
Coherence: Waves with same wavelength, frequency, and fixed phase difference
Diffraction Grating: Hundreds of slits used to calculate atomic spacing, analyze elements, produces sharper interference patterns
Diffraction: Spreading of waves passing through a gap similar to wavelength
Electromagnetic Waves: Perpendicular electric and magnetic oscillations
Frequency: Number of waves passing a point per unit time, inverse of time period
Fringe Spacing: Distance between adjacent bright or dark fringes
Interference: Superposition of waves; constructive (in phase) or destructive (out of phase)
Laser: Collimated and coherent light source
Longitudinal Wave: Oscillations parallel to energy propagation (e.g., sound)
Material Dispersion: Different wavelengths travel at slightly different speeds in a material, causing pulse broadening in optical fibers.
Node: Minimum displacement in a stationary wave
Optical Fiber: Thin glass fiber transmitting signals
Path Difference: How much further one wave travels compared to another, measured in wavelengths
Phase Difference: Difference in phase between two points on a wave (usually radians)
Phase: Position of a point on a wave in its cycle
Polarization: Restriction of wave oscillation to a single plane (only for transverse waves)
Pulse Broadening: Elongation of a signal in an optical fiber, due to modal or material dispersion
Refractive Index: Ratio of speed of light in a vacuum to speed of light in a material
Snell's Law: Links angle of incidence to angle of refraction, using refractive indexes
Speed: Product of frequency and wavelength
Stationary Wave: Stores energy, does not transfer it
Total Internal Reflection: Full reflection within a medium (e.g., optical fiber)
Transverse Wave: Oscillations perpendicular to energy propagation (e.g., electromagnetic waves)
Wavelength: Distance between two identical points on adjacent waves (e.g., peak to peak, trough to trough)
Young's Double-Slit Experiment: Demonstrates light diffraction, creating bright and dark fringes

Optical Fiber Concepts

Modal Dispersion: Different angles of incidence cause different travel times, leading to pulse broadening in optical fibers.
Optical Fiber: Thin glass fiber for transmitting signals
Path Difference: How much further one wave travels compared to another, measured in wavelengths
Pulse Broadening: Elongation of a signal in an optical fiber, due to modal or material dispersion.

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Description

Test your knowledge of wave properties with this quiz. Covering concepts such as amplitude, coherence, and diffraction, this quiz will challenge your understanding of both mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Perfect for students studying physics or optics.