Intro to Waves Practice Quiz

A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, transferring energy without the permanent movement of matter. This definition distinguishes waves from objects or forces.

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. It indicates the amount of energy the wave is carrying.

The correct relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength is given by v = f * λ. This equation shows that the speed of a wave is the product of its frequency and wavelength.

Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium, such as air or water, to propagate. In contrast, electromagnetic waves like light, radio waves, and X-rays can travel through a vacuum.

Wavelength is defined as the distance between consecutive corresponding points of a wave, such as crest-to-crest or trough-to-trough. It is a fundamental spatial characteristic that helps describe the wave.

The speed of a mechanical wave is determined by the properties of the medium, such as tension, density, and elasticity. Frequency does not influence the wave's speed but only affects the wavelength when the speed is constant.

When two waves meet in the same space, they superpose to create a new wave pattern, a process known as interference. This can result in either constructive or destructive interference depending on the phase relationship.

Diffraction is the phenomenon where waves bend or spread as they pass around obstacles or through small openings. This effect is common to various types of waves including light and sound.

Since wave speed (v) is constant and given by the equation v = f * λ, doubling the frequency (f) must result in halving the wavelength (λ). This inverse relationship is central to wave behavior.

Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, and light is a classic example of such a wave. Sound and pressure waves are typically longitudinal, while water waves can exhibit both types of motion.

When a wave reflects from a fixed boundary, it undergoes phase inversion, meaning that crests become troughs and vice versa. This property is key in understanding wave reflections in bounded systems.

Resonance occurs when a system is driven at its natural frequency, leading to a significant increase in amplitude. This phenomenon is essential in a variety of physical contexts, from musical instruments to engineering structures.

The energy of a wave is generally proportional to the square of its amplitude. A larger amplitude indicates that the wave is carrying more energy.

Phase describes the position of a point within one complete cycle of a wave. It is important when analyzing how waves interact, such as in interference patterns.

Damping is the process by which energy is lost in a wave, causing its amplitude to decrease over time. It generally does not affect the wavelength or the frequency significantly.

Using the formula v = f * λ, the wavelength is calculated by dividing the speed by the frequency: 20 m/s ÷ 5 Hz = 4 m. This example reinforces the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.

The wavelength is found by dividing the wave speed by its frequency: 340 m/s ÷ 250 Hz ≈ 1.36 m. This calculation is a fundamental application of the wave equation for sound.

The wave speed on a string is given by v = sqrt(T/μ), where μ is the mass per unit length. Increasing the density (and thus μ) while holding tension constant results in a decrease in wave speed.

Destructive interference occurs when two waves are 180° out of phase, causing them to cancel each other out completely. The net result is a wave with zero amplitude at points where this cancellation is perfect.

Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that can sustain themselves even in a vacuum. This inherent property allows them to propagate without the support of a physical medium.