Wave Terminology and Optics Quiz

What is the maximum distance of a point on a wave from its rest position?

The amplitude is the maximum distance of a point on a wave from its rest position.

What is the angle between the incident (incoming) ray and the normal?

The angle of incidence is the angle between the incident (incoming) ray and the normal.

What is the angle between the reflected (outgoing) ray and the normal?

The angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected (outgoing) ray and the normal.

What is the angle between the refracted (transmitted) ray and the normal?

The angle of refraction is the angle between the refracted (transmitted) ray and the normal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the edge of a material or medium called?

The boundary is the edge of a material or medium. Signup and view all the answers

What is a section of a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together called?

A compression is a section of a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together. Signup and view all the answers

What is the position of an object relative to its starting point called?

Displacement is the position of an object relative to its starting point. Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of waves passing a point per second called?

Frequency is the number of waves passing a point per second. Signup and view all the answers

What type of wave is a sound wave?

Sound waves are longitudinal waves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the substance through which a wave travels called?

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

What type of wave involves oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer?

Transverse wave Signup and view all the answers

When light moves from air into glass, what phenomenon occurs that causes the light to bend?

Refraction Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbol used to represent wavelength, and what is its unit of measurement?

λ (lambda), measured in meters Signup and view all the answers

How can the wavelength of a wave be measured?

From one peak/trough to the next peak/trough Signup and view all the answers

What type of wave is used in medical imaging to view unborn babies?

Ultrasound Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a translucent and a transparent material?

A transparent material allows most light to pass through, while a translucent material allows some light to pass through Signup and view all the answers

What type of wave is involved in earthquakes, providing evidence for the structure of the Earth?

Seismic waves Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the highest point on a wave?

Peak Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for a section of a longitudinal wave where particles are furthest apart?

Rarefaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave in terms of the direction of oscillations?

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