Section 1: Basics of Wave Motion
Define “wave motion.”
A disturbance that passes through a medium, carrying energy from one point to another without the permanent transfer of matter.
Do particles of a medium move with the wave?
No; particles vibrate about their fixed equilibrium positions and do not travel with the wave.
What is a “progressive wave”?
A wave that transfers energy through a medium or vacuum from one point to neighboring points through vibrations.
What is the primary difference between progressive and stationary waves?
Progressive waves transfer energy while traveling through a medium, whereas stationary waves confine energy within a fixed location. Progressive waves feature consistent particle amplitudes, while stationary waves have distinct nodes (zero amplitude) and antinodes (maximum amplitude).
Section 2: Essential Wave Properties
Define “displacement” for waves.
The distance of any point on a wave from its undisturbed (equilibrium) position.
Define “amplitude (A).”
The maximum displacement of any point on the wave from its equilibrium position.
Define “wavelength (λ).”
The distance between any two consecutive wavefronts on a wave that are in phase.
Define “frequency (f).”
The number of vibrations produced by the source per unit time (Hz).
Define “period (T).”
The time taken for one complete vibration.
What is the relationship between frequency and period?
f = 1/T.
Define “wave speed (v).”
The distance travelled by the wave per unit time (v = fλ).
Section 3: Phase and Wave Graphs
What does it mean for two points to be “in phase”?
They move in the same direction with the same speed and same displacement.
Define “phase difference.”
The fraction of a cycle by which one point moves behind another, measured in degrees or radians.
What is the phase difference between two points 0.5λ apart?
180˚ or π radians (Out of phase).
How do you identify wavelength on a displacement-distance graph?
The distance between two adjacent peaks.
How do you identify the period on a displacement-time graph?
The time interval between two adjacent peaks.
Section 4: Transverse and Longitudinal Waves
Define a “transverse wave.”
The particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer (wave propagation).
Define a “longitudinal wave.”
The particles of the medium vibrate are parallel to the direction of energy transfer (wave propagation).
What is a compression?
A region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together (high pressure).
What is a rarefaction?
A region in a longitudinal wave where particles are furthest apart (low pressure).
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Estimates #130
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Chapter 1 #332
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Chapter 2 #218
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Chapter 3 #133
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Chapter 4 #233
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Chapter 5 #261
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Chapter 6 #250
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Chapter 7 #242
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Chapter 8 #492
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Chapter 9 #143
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Chapter 10 #248
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Physical Quantities and Measurement Techniques Definitions #134
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Mechanics Definitions #1121
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Waves and Superposition Definitions #153
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Electricity Definitions #135
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Nuclear Physics and Fundamental Particles Definitions #134
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All Formulae #1180
