Waves, Sound, and Light Flashcards

What is a transverse wave?

Answer: A wave where particles move perpendicular to the wave direction

In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of wave propagation, as seen in light waves and waves on a rope.

Which formula correctly calculates wave speed?

Answer: v = f × λ

Wave speed (v) equals frequency (f) multiplied by wavelength (λ), expressed as v = fλ.

What occurs when two waves meet and their displacements combine to produce a larger amplitude wave?

Answer: Constructive interference

Constructive interference occurs when two waves overlap in phase (crest meets crest or trough meets trough), resulting in a combined wave with greater amplitude.

What does the index of refraction of a material measure?

Answer: The ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in that material

The index of refraction (n) is defined as n = c/v, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum and v is the speed of light in that material.

What is resonance in the context of waves and vibrating systems?

Answer: The tendency of a system to oscillate with greater amplitude at certain natural frequencies

Resonance occurs when an object is driven at its natural frequency by an external vibration, causing it to absorb energy and oscillate with increasingly large amplitude.

Which statement correctly describes a longitudinal wave?

Answer: Particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel

In a longitudinal wave, particles of the medium vibrate back and forth parallel to the direction of wave travel, creating alternating compressions and rarefactions.

What happens to the wavelength of light when it enters a medium with a higher index of refraction?

Answer: It decreases

When light enters a denser medium (higher index of refraction), its speed and wavelength both decrease while its frequency remains constant.