AP Physics SHM and Waves Quick Review

What is the unit for frequency?

• seconds

• hertz

• lambda

• nu

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

The ____________ of a simple harmonic oscillator is the time it takes for one complete cycle of oscillation to be completed.

• cycle

• period

• frequency

• amplitude

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

What will happen to the period of a pendulum when the length is quadrupled?

• The period will be quadrupled.

• The period will be doubled.

• The period will be cut by a fourth.

• The period will be cut in half.

Through which medium, if any, will a sound wave move most quickly?

• The sound wave will move at the same speed through all of the mediums.

• Water

• Air

• Soil

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

The potential energy of a spring is proportional to the square of the displacement from the equilibrium position.

• True

• False

____________ waves move perpendicularly to the direction the wave propagates.

• Transverse

• Longitudinal

• Sine

• Compression

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

____________ waves move parallel to the direction the wave propagates.

• Transverse

• Longitudinal

• Sine

• Compression

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

When two waves have the same wavelength but begin at different times are said ___________.

• to be in phase.

• to be out of phase.

• to have the same amplitude.

• to have the same cycle.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

The speed of a wave is determined solely by the wave’s ____________________.

• amplitude

• medium

• period

• velocity

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

The ____________________ states that two or more waves that overlap combine by summing their

displacements algebraically.

• superposition principle

• wave interference

• destructive interference

• constructive interference

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1