High School Physics : Types of Waves

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Physics

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Types Of Waves

In seismology, the \(\displaystyle P\) wave is a longitudinal wave.  As an \(\displaystyle P\) wave travels through the Earth, the relative motion between the  \(\displaystyle P\) wave and the particles is

Possible Answers:

First parallel, then perpendicular

Perpendicular

Parallel

First perpendicular, then parallel

Correct answer:

Parallel

Explanation:

Longitudinal waves are waves whose particles travel parallel to the direction that the wave itself is traveling.  Sound waves are another example of longitudinal waves.

Example Question #61 : Waves, Sound, And Light

Which of the following waves require a medium to travel?

Possible Answers:

Sound Waves

Light Waves

Microwaves

Correct answer:

Sound Waves

Explanation:

Electromagnetic waves are the only  type of wave that do not require a medium to travel.  Light, radio and microwaves are examples of electromagnetic waves.  Sound does require a medium to travel.  In a vacuum sound waves cannot travel as there is no air to compress.

Example Question #3 : Types Of Waves

In a vacuum, the velocity of all electromagnetic waves

Possible Answers:

depends on the frequency

depends on the amplitude

Is nearly \(\displaystyle 3x10^8 m/s\)

 

Is zero

Correct answer:

Is nearly \(\displaystyle 3x10^8 m/s\)

 

Explanation:

Electromagnetic waves all travel at the same speed which is the speed of light.  The speed of light in a vacuum is nearly \(\displaystyle 3x10^8m/s\)

Example Question #972 : High School Physics

A radio station broadcasts at a frequency of \(\displaystyle 99,500,000Hz\). If the broadcast is an electromagnetic wave, then what is its wavelength?

\(\displaystyle c=3 * 108ms\) 

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 0.33m\)

\(\displaystyle 5.25m\)

\(\displaystyle 6.02m\)

\(\displaystyle 3.02m\)

\(\displaystyle 3 * 108m\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 3.02m\)

Explanation:

The relationship between wavelength and frequency is given by the equation \(\displaystyle \lambda =cf\), where \(\displaystyle \lambda\) is the wavelength, \(\displaystyle c\) is the speed of light, and \(\displaystyle f\) is frequency.

 

We are given the values for frequency and the speed of light, allowing us to solve for the wavelength.

\(\displaystyle \lambda =cf\)

\(\displaystyle \lambda =3*108ms99,500,000Hz\)

\(\displaystyle \lambda =3.02m\)

 

Example Question #4 : Types Of Waves


In seismology, the \(\displaystyle S\) wave is a transverse wave.  As an \(\displaystyle S\) wave travels through the Earth, the relative motion between the \(\displaystyle S\) wave and the particles is 

Possible Answers:

First parallel, then perpendicular

Parallel

First perpendicular, then parallel

Perpendicular

Correct answer:

Perpendicular

Explanation:

Transverse waves are waves whose particles travel perpendicular to the direction that the wave itself is traveling.  Electromagnetic waves are another example of transverse waves.

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