High School Physics : Waves, Sound, and Light
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Physics
All High School Physics Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #5 : Understanding Refraction
Light strikes a crystal from the air at an angle of 
To solve this problem, use Snell's law:
We are given the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction. The index of refraction for air is 
Example Question #6 : Understanding Refraction
A beam of light hits a crystal at an angle of 
To solve this problem, use Snell's law:
Remember that air has an index of refraction of 
Example Question #7 : Understanding Refraction
A beam of light hits a crystal at an angle of incidence of 
To solve this problem, use Snell's law:
Remember that air has an index of refraction of 
Example Question #61 : Waves, Sound, And Light
In seismology, the 
Parallel
First parallel, then perpendicular
Perpendicular
First perpendicular, then parallel
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 : Types Of Waves
Which of the following waves require a medium to travel?
Microwaves
Light Waves
Sound Waves
Sound Waves
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 #62 : Waves, Sound, And Light
In a vacuum, the velocity of all electromagnetic waves
depends on the frequency
depends on the amplitude
Is nearly
Is zero
Is nearly
Electromagnetic waves all travel at the same speed which is the speed of light. The speed of light in a vacuum is nearly
Example Question #4 : Types Of Waves
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 #63 : Waves, Sound, And Light
In seismology, the 
First parallel, then perpendicular
First perpendicular, then parallel
Perpendicular
Parallel
Perpendicular
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.
Example Question #1 : Properties Of Waves
After exercising, Jane takes her pulse. She realizes that her heart is beating rapidly, approximately 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 
Example Question #2 : Properties Of Waves
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.
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All High School Physics Resources
