UNIT 8
WAVES AND SOUND
Define these terms:
beats
refraction
constructive interference
transverse wave
wavelength
diffraction
destructive interference
compressional wave
reflection
frequency
amplitude
55. What is the beat frequency when a tuning fork with a frequency of 268 Hz and one of 272 Hz are
sounded together? 4 Hz
56. Sound travels best in _______________________, followed by _____________________ and worst in
_____________________. (Hint: states of matter) solids, liquids, gases
57. A wave has frequency of 0.1 Hz and a wavelength of 10 m. What is the wave’s speed? (0.1)(10) = 1
m/s
58. A particular sound has a 3.5 m wavelength and is traveling 340 m/s. What is its frequency? 350/3.5 =
100 Hz
59. The speed of a wave depends on ______________. wavelength times frequency OR type of medium
60. The frequency of a wave depends on ______________. wavelength
61. When a wave passes from one medium into another, the ___________ and __________ change. Speed
and wavelength
62. The bending of wave when it passes from one medium to another and the speed changes is called
___________. refraction
63. The spreading of a wave around an obstacle or through an opening is called _______________.
diffraction
64. The bouncing of a wave off a barrier is called _________________.
reflection
65. All waves carry ________________. energy
66. Describe the difference between a longitudinal (compressional) and a transverse wave in the manner in
which they carry energy vs. the direction that the matter moves. Longitudinal waves are created when particles
vibrate in the same direction in which the energy moves (both the particle and energy move in the same
direction); transverse waves have particles that vibrate in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction the
energy moves
67. Give an example of a transverse, mechanical wave. Water waves, also possibly some earthquake waves
68. Give an example of a transverse, non-mechanical wave. Anything electromagnetic (light, radio, x-rays,
etc)
69. Give an example of a compressional wave. sound
70. Compressional waves require a _________ to propagate (move). Medium (matter)