Exploring Wave Characteristics in Physics

Mr. Fullerton introduces the characteristics of waves, focusing on transverse and longitudinal waves. He explains key terms like wave speed, wavelength, frequency, and period. The video also covers wave phase, including in-phase and out-of-phase points. Sample questions are provided to reinforce understanding of wave properties, such as amplitude and wavelength, with practical examples.

Which term describes the number of waves that pass a given point in one second?

• Wave speed

• Frequency

• Wavelength

• Period

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

In a transverse wave, what do we call the high points?

• Wavelength

• Crests

• Amplitude

• Troughs

How is the amplitude of a transverse wave measured?

• From baseline to crest

• From crest to trough

• From baseline to baseline

• From crest to crest

What is the distance between the same point on two consecutive waves called?

• Wavelength

• Period

• Amplitude

• Frequency

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

If two points on consecutive waves are 360° apart, they are said to be:

• Out of phase

• In phase

• 180° out of phase

• 90° out of phase

In a longitudinal wave, areas of very high density are called:

• Troughs

• Rarefactions

• Crests

• Compressions

How is the wavelength of a longitudinal wave measured?

• From crest to crest

• From compression to compression

• From trough to trough

• From baseline to crest

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Which point on a transverse wave is in phase with point P if P is on the rise as it crosses the baseline?

• A

• B

• C

• D

What is the direction of motion of particles at position C in a longitudinal wave moving to the right?

• Circular

• Diagonal

• Left and right

• Up and down

If a tuning fork is struck harder, what happens to the amplitude of the wave it produces?

• It stays the same

• It increases

• It decreases

• It changes frequency