Core questions – Physics unit 6 - Waves

What is a wave?

• Transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter

• Is a solid object that moves in a straight line

• Is a type of chemical reaction

• Is a force that pulls objects downward

What are the two types of waves?

• Transverse and longitudinal

• Circular and elliptical

• Scalar and vector

• Mechanical and electromagnetic

What is an example of a transverse wave?

• Ripples on the surface of water

• Sound waves in air

• Compression waves in a slinky

• Seismic P-waves

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

• Sound waves travelling through air

• Light waves in vacuum

• Water waves on the surface of a pond

• Radio waves in space

What direction are the oscillations of a transverse wave compared to the direction of the energy travel?

• The oscillations (vibrations) are perpendicular (at 90°) to the direction of energy transfer

• The oscillations (vibrations) are parallel to the direction of energy transfer

• The oscillations (vibrations) are in a circular motion around the direction of energy transfer

• The oscillations (vibrations) are at a 45° angle to the direction of energy transfer

What direction are the oscillations of a longitudinal wave compared to the direction of the energy travel?

• The oscillations (vibrations) are parallel to the direction of energy transfer

• The oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer

• The oscillations are at a 45-degree angle to the direction of energy transfer

• The oscillations move in a circular motion relative to the direction of energy transfer

What is A?

What is B?

What is C?

What is D?