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Oscillations and Waves
Quick questions on Progressive waves explained: H2 Physics Oscillations and Waves
8short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are wave properties?Show answer
A progressive wave is described by:
What is the wave equation?Show answer
These quantities are linked by the wave equation:
What is phase difference?Show answer
The phase difference between two points (or two waves) measures how far through their cycles they are relative to each other, measured in radians. For two points separated by a distance on the same wave:
What is intensity?Show answer
Intensity is the power transferred per unit area:
What is polarisation?Show answer
Polarisation restricts the oscillations of a transverse wave to a single plane. Only transverse waves can be polarised, because only they have oscillation directions perpendicular to travel from which one plane can be selected. Longitudinal waves, oscillating only along the travel direction, cannot be polarised. This is a key test for distinguishing the two wave types.
What is q1?Show answer
State the wave equation and define each quantity. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
A water wave has wavelength and travels at . Find its frequency and period. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why a longitudinal wave cannot be polarised. [2 marks]