Physics Waves Review

Front

What is the period of a wave?

Back

The period of a wave is the time it takes for one complete cycle of the wave to pass a given point, measured in seconds.

Front

How do you calculate the frequency of a wave?

Back

Frequency (f) is calculated using the formula f = v / λ, where v is the wave speed and λ (lambda) is the wavelength.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and period?

Back

Frequency and period are inversely related: f = 1/T, where f is frequency and T is the period.

Front

What are mechanical waves?

Back

Mechanical waves are waves that require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through.

Front

What are electromagnetic waves?

Back

Electromagnetic waves are waves that do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum, such as light waves.

Front

What is the fundamental frequency of a vibrating string?

Back

The fundamental frequency is the lowest frequency at which a string vibrates, producing one complete wavelength along the string.

Front

How many wavelengths fit in a string vibrating at its fundamental frequency?

Back

There is 1 wavelength on a string vibrating at its fundamental frequency.

Front

What is the formula for wave speed?

Back

Wave speed (v) is calculated using the formula v = f × λ, where f is frequency and λ is wavelength.

Front

What happens to the pitch of a sound as the source moves away from an observer?

Back

The pitch of the sound appears lower to the observer as the source moves away, a phenomenon known as the Doppler effect.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength (λ) is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.