Question 1: Define a transverse wave and give one example of where it occurs in everyday life.

Answer: A wave in which particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation; e.g., waves on a string or surface water waves.

Question 2: Explain how particles move in a longitudinal wave and provide an example from the natural environment.

Answer: Particles oscillate parallel to the wave's direction of travel; e.g., sound waves in air.

Question 3: Which type of wave can travel through a vacuum? A) Transverse B) Longitudinal C) Both D) Neither

Answer: B

Question 4: Fill in the blank: In a transverse wave, the particles oscillate __________ to the direction of wave travel.

Answer: perpendicular

Question 5: Describe a practical example where understanding the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves is important for engineering.

Answer: Engineers must understand seismic waves (which include both transverse and longitudinal components) to assess earthquake risks and design earthquake-resistant structures.

Question 6: Calculate the wave speed of a wave with a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 10 meters. Use the formula v = f × λ.

Answer: v = 50 Hz × 10 m = 500 m/s

Question 7: Identify the variable that represents wave frequency in the wave equation v = f × λ.

Answer: f (frequency)

Question 8: State one safety consideration when studying wave propagation in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Ensure electrical equipment is properly insulated to prevent shocks when working with electromagnetic waves.

Question 9: Explain why sound waves are considered longitudinal waves and discuss their mechanism of propagation.

Answer: Sound waves are longitudinal because particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave travel, creating compressions and rarefactions that propagate through a medium such as air or water.

Question 10: A seismic wave has a wavelength of 20 km and a wave speed of 8 km/s. Calculate its frequency.

Answer: f = v / λ = 8 km/s / 20 km = 0.4 Hz