1st Semester Final Exam Review of WAVES

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

The two main types of waves are mechanical waves (require a medium) and electromagnetic waves (do not require a medium).

Front

Define sound waves.

Back

Sound waves are mechanical waves that travel through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) as vibrations of particles.

Front

What is reflection in terms of waves?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of a wave when it hits a barrier or surface.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the spreading out of waves when they pass through a narrow opening or around obstacles.

Front

What is the speed of sound in air at room temperature?

Back

The speed of sound in air at room temperature (20°C) is approximately 343 meters per second.

Front

How does density affect the speed of sound?

Back

Sound travels faster in denser materials because particles are closer together, allowing energy to transfer more quickly.

Front

What happens to light when it strikes a black object?

Back

When white light strikes a black object, no light is reflected; instead, it is absorbed.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet and combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude.