Wave Motion Flashcard

Front

The time needed for a wave to make one complete cycle is its

Back

period.

Answer explanation

The time needed for a wave to complete one cycle is called its period. It is the inverse of frequency, which measures how many cycles occur in a given time. Thus, the correct answer is period.

Front

The source of all wave motion is a

Back

vibration.

Answer explanation

The source of all wave motion is a vibration, as it creates oscillations that propagate through a medium, leading to the formation of waves. Other options do not directly initiate wave motion.

Front

Which letter in the graph above represents the amplitude?

Back

C

Answer explanation

The amplitude of a wave is represented by the distance from the midline to the peak or trough. In the graph, letter C indicates this distance, making it the correct choice for representing amplitude.

Front

Which letter in the graph above represents the wavelength?

Back

D

Answer explanation

In the graph, the wavelength is represented by the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs. Letter D marks this distance, making it the correct choice for representing the wavelength.

Front

Which of the following is NOT an example of harmonic motion? A swinging pendulum, A bouncing spring, A bouncing ball.

Back

A bouncing ball.

Answer explanation

A bouncing ball does not exhibit harmonic motion because its motion is not periodic and is influenced by gravity and energy loss, unlike a swinging pendulum or a bouncing spring, which both have regular, repeating patterns.

Front

A mass attached to a spring vibrates back and forth. At maximum displacement, the spring force and the

Back

acceleration reach a maximum.

Answer explanation

At maximum displacement, the spring is fully stretched or compressed, resulting in the maximum spring force. However, the velocity is zero at this point, while the acceleration, due to the spring force, reaches a maximum.

Front

If a force of 50 N stretches a spring 0.10 m, what is the spring constant?

Back

500 N/m

Answer explanation

The spring constant (k) can be calculated using Hooke's Law: F = kx. Rearranging gives k = F/x. Substituting F = 50 N and x = 0.10 m, we get k = 50 N / 0.10 m = 500 N/m. Thus, the correct answer is 500 N/m.

Front

How much displacement will a coil spring with a spring constant of 120 N/m achieve if it is stretched by a 60 N force?

Back

0.5 m

Answer explanation

Using Hooke's Law, F = kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement. Rearranging gives x = F/k. Substituting F = 60 N and k = 120 N/m, we find x = 60/120 = 0.5 m.

Front

Which factor listed below has the greatest effect on the period of a pendulum? Mass of the pendulum, Length of the string, Amplitude of the oscillations

Back

Length of the string

Answer explanation

The period of a pendulum is primarily affected by the length of the string. A longer string results in a longer period, while the mass and amplitude have minimal impact on the period.

Front

The amplitude of a particular wave is 4.0 m. The top-to-bottom distance of the disturbance is

Back

8.0 m

Answer explanation

The amplitude of a wave is the distance from the rest position to the peak. Therefore, the total top-to-bottom distance is twice the amplitude: 2 x 4.0 m = 8.0 m.