High School Physics : Waves, Sound, and Light
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Physics
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Understanding Types Of Waves
In seismology, the 
Parallel
First perpendicular, then parallel
First parallel, then perpendicular
Perpendicular
Parallel
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 #2 : Understanding Types Of Waves
A student attaches one end of a Slinky to the top of a table. She holds the other end in her hand, stretches it to a length 
It decreases
It increases
It stays the same
It decreases
The speed of the wave along the Slinky depends on the mass of the Slinky itself and the tension caused by stretching it. Since both of these things have not changed, the wave speed remains constant.
The wave speed is equal to the wavelength multiplied by the frequency.
Since she is moving her hand faster, the frequency has increased. Since the velocity has not changed, an increase in the frequency would decrease the wavelength.
Example Question #3 : Understanding Types Of Waves
Sound waves are
Transverse waves characterized by the displacement of air molecules
Longitudinal waves characterized by pressure differences
Longitudinal waves characterized by both the displacement of air molecules and pressure differences
Longitudinal waves characterized by the displacement of air molecules
Longitudinal waves characterized by both the displacement of air molecules and pressure differences
Sound is often described in terms of the vibration of the molecules of the medium in which it travels (in other words, the displacement of the molecules). Sound can also be viewed from a pressure point of view because this variation in pressure is easier to measure. In compression, the pressure is higher because the molecules are closer together. In rarefaction, there is an expansion of molecules and, therefore, a lower pressure.
Example Question #1 : Understanding Wavelength And Frequency
After exercising, Jane takes her pulse. She realizes that her heart is beating rapidly, approximate four beats every second. What is the period of her elevated heart rate?
When you see a relationship like "times every second" or "once per hour," these are hints you are looking at a frequency. Frequency is, effectively, how often something happens. If it happens four times per second, then we know how often it happens. The units "per second" are equivalent to Hertz.
The relationship between frequency and period is 
Since our given frequency was four beats per second, or 
This means that her heart beats once every 0.25 seconds.
Example Question #1 : Understanding Wavelength And Frequency
A radio station broadcasts at a frequency of 
The relationship between wavelength and frequency is given by the equation 
We are given the values for frequency and the speed of light, allowing us to solve for the wavelength.
Example Question #2 : Understanding Wavelength And Frequency
A wave oscillates with a speed of 
The equation for velocity in terms of wavelength and frequency is 
We are given the velocity and the wavelength. Using these values, we can solve for the frequency.
Example Question #3 : Understanding Wavelength And Frequency
A symphony tunes to an oboe playing a note at 
The relationship between velocity, frequency, and wavelength is:
Plug in the given information to solve:
Example Question #4 : Understanding Wavelength And Frequency
A note is played with a wavelength of 
The relationship between velocity, frequency, and wavelength is:
Plug in the given information to solve:
Example Question #5 : Understanding Wavelength And Frequency
A wave has a frequency of 
The relationship between frequency and period is 
Plug in our given value:
Example Question #6 : Understanding Wavelength And Frequency
A wave with a constant velocity doubles its frequency. What happens to its wavelength?
There is insufficient information to solve.
The wavelengths will be the same.
The new wavelength will be 
The new wavelength will also double.
The new wavelength will be
The relationship between velocity, frequency, and wavelength is:
In this case we're given a scenario where 
Notice that the 
Divide both sides by two:
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