Wave Properties

Open Ended

Why is it important to study the properties of waves in physics?

Open Ended

How many different types (examples) of waves can you name?

Multiple Select

Select all the types of waves that can be used for communication.

• Microwaves

• TV and radio waves

• Light waves

• Sound waves

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes what a wave does?

• A wave transfers energy from one place to another.

• A wave transfers matter from one place to another.

• A wave creates new energy.

• A wave destroys energy.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about transverse waves is correct?

• Particles vibrate at right angles to the direction the wave travels.

• Particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave travels.

• Transverse waves cannot travel through a vacuum.

• Transverse waves require only solids to travel.

Open Ended

Compare and contrast the motion of particles in longitudinal and transverse waves.

Multiple Choice

Which types of waves can travel through a vacuum?

• Longitudinal waves only

• Transverse waves only

• Both longitudinal and transverse waves

• Neither type of wave

Multiple Select

Select all the examples that are transverse waves.

• Sound

• Radio waves

• Microwaves

• Gamma rays

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

• Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, while longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to it.

• Transverse waves oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer, while longitudinal waves oscillate perpendicular to it.

• Both types of waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

• Both types of waves oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

Open Ended

Given a wave diagram, how would you determine the amplitude and wavelength of the wave?

Open Ended

Explain how energy is transferred in a wave, and discuss the role of amplitude and wavelength in this process.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of transverse waves?

• Water waves

• Sound waves

• Waves on a string

• Seismic P-waves

Multiple Choice

Which properties must you know to calculate the speed of a wave?

• Frequency and wavelength

• Amplitude and period

• Period and amplitude

• Crest and trough

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of wavelength in a wave?

• The distance from the start of one wave to the start of the next wave (e.g. peak to peak)

• The height of a wave from its base to its peak

• The time taken for one wave to pass a point

• The number of waves passing a point per second

Multiple Select

Which of the following pairs of letters are one wavelength apart in the wave diagram?

• AC

• DE

• FI

• BG

Multiple Choice

How do you calculate the wavelength from a diagram?

• Divide the total distance by the number of waves

• Multiply the total distance by the number of waves

• Add the peak and trough values

• Subtract the trough value from the peak value

Multiple Choice

If the total distance covered by a wave is 1.2 m and there are 3 waves, what is the wavelength?

• 0.4 m

• 0.6 m

• 0.8 m

• 1.2 m

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a longitudinal wave?

• Sound

• Water

• Light

• Electromagnetic spectrum

Open Ended

Reflecting on what you learned about wave properties, what is one question you still have or a concept you would like to explore further?