W.1 Characterizing Waves

Practice Worksheet — name: ______________________ date: ____________

Formulas for this topic

Wave Equation

v = f\lambda

Period

T = \frac{1}{f}

Section A — Multiple choice

A1. What is the unit of frequency?

A Meters
B Seconds
C Hertz
D Newtons

A2. A wave has a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 6 meters. What is its velocity?

A $0.12\, m/s$
B $8.33\, m/s$
C $300\, m/s$
D $3000\, m/s$

Section B — Short answer

B1. Define wavelength.

B2. What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Answer key

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Section A

A1: Hertz

A2: $300\, m/s$

Section B

B1: Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave.

B2: In transverse waves, particle oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation (e.g. light). In longitudinal waves, oscillations are parallel (e.g. sound).