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Give one example of a transverse wave and one example of a longitudinal wave, being careful to note the relative directions of the disturbance and wave propagation in each.
A wave on a guitar string is an example of a transverse wave. The disturbance of the string moves perpendicular to the propagation of the wave. The sound produced by the string is a longitudinal wave where the disturbance of the air moves parallel to the propagation of the wave.
A sinusoidal transverse wave has a wavelength of 2.80 m. It takes 0.10 s for a portion of the string at a position x to move from a maximum position of to the equilibrium position What are the period, frequency, and wave speed of the wave?
What is the difference between propagation speed and the frequency of a mechanical wave? Does one or both affect wavelength? If so, how?
Propagation speed is the speed of the wave propagating through the medium. If the wave speed is constant, the speed can be found by The frequency is the number of wave that pass a point per unit time. The wavelength is directly proportional to the wave speed and inversely proportional to the frequency.
Consider a stretched spring, such as a slinky. The stretched spring can support longitudinal waves and transverse waves. How can you produce transverse waves on the spring? How can you produce longitudinal waves on the spring?
Consider a wave produced on a stretched spring by holding one end and shaking it up and down. Does the wavelength depend on the distance you move your hand up and down?
No, the distance you move your hand up and down will determine the amplitude of the wave. The wavelength will depend on the frequency you move your hand up and down, and the speed of the wave through the spring.
A sinusoidal, transverse wave is produced on a stretched spring, having a period T . Each section of the spring moves perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave, in simple harmonic motion with an amplitude A . Does each section oscillate with the same period as the wave or a different period? If the amplitude of the transverse wave were doubled but the period stays the same, would your answer be the same?
An electromagnetic wave, such as light, does not require a medium. Can you think of an example that would support this claim?
Light from the Sun and stars reach Earth through empty space where there is no medium present.
Storms in the South Pacific can create waves that travel all the way to the California coast, 12,000 km away. How long does it take them to travel this distance if they travel at 15.0 m/s?
Waves on a swimming pool propagate at 0.75 m/s. You splash the water at one end of the pool and observe the wave go to the opposite end, reflect, and return in 30.00 s. How far away is the other end of the pool?
Wind gusts create ripples on the ocean that have a wavelength of 5.00 cm and propagate at 2.00 m/s. What is their frequency?
How many times a minute does a boat bob up and down on ocean waves that have a wavelength of 40.0 m and a propagation speed of 5.00 m/s?
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