7A:
Define a wave
A transmission of energy from one location to another without the net transfer of matter.
7A:
Distinguish between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave.
A transverse wave oscillates perpendicular to the direction of energy transmission. However, a longitudinal wave oscillates parallel to the direction of energy transmission.
7A:
What is the Amplitude of a wave?
The magnitude of the maximum distance a point on a wave travels from its neutral position.
7A:
Define the term “wavelength.”
This refers to the distance covered by one complete wave-cycle.
7A:
Define the term “Period.”
This refers to the time taken to complete one full wave cycle.
7A:
Define the term “Frequency.”
This term describes the number of wave cycles completed per second.
7A:
Define the term “Wave-cycle.”
The process of completing one full repetition of a wave’s pattern, from the starting point, through all crests and troughs, and back to the starting point.
7B:
Define the term “Superimposition.”
The addition of overlapping waves traveling in the same medium.
7B:
Define the term “Interference.”
Interference is a phenomenon that occurs when superimposition takes place, entailing a resulting wave being formed with either a greater amplitude or smaller amplitude than the interacting waves.
Distinguish between the terms “Constructive,” and “Destructive,” interference.
Constructive interference occurs when two waves of the same sign superimpose, adding to form a resulting wave with a greater amplitude than the two interacting crests or troughs.
In contrast, Destructive interference occurs when two waves of opposite sign superimpose, cancelling each other out to form a resulting wave of a smaller amplitude than the two interacting waves.
7B:
Define the term “Path-difference.”
This refers to the magnitude of the difference in the distance traveled by two waves from different sources to a particular point in space.
7B:
What is meant by “Coherent waves?”
This describes waves (traveling in the same medium) being produced (and traveling at) the same frequency and wavelength.
When these waves are continuously interacting, a constant interference pattern is formed.
7B:
Describe what is meant by an Anti node in the context of interference patterns.
This is a point of constant constructive interference in a wider interference pattern.
7B:
Describe what is meant by a node in the context of interference patterns.
This is a point of constant destructive interference in a wider interference pattern.
7C:
Define a “Travelling Wave.”
This refers to a wave which propagates through a medium, carrying energy from one location to another.
7C:
Explain the formation of a “Standing wave.”
A Standing wave is formed when two travelling waves (which are propagating in opposite direction) with the same amplitude and frequency superimpose, creating points of maximum and zero displacement. If these travelling waves are propagating continuously, then it’ll appear as if there is a greater wave oscillating up and down with a consistent amplitude and is stationary horizontally. This larger wave is known as a “standing wave.”
7C:
Define the term “Fundamental frequency.”
This is defined as the lowest frequency of a standing wave that will form in a particular medium.
