Question 1: Define a transverse wave and give one example of its application in engineering.

Answer: A wave in which particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel; example: electromagnetic signals in communication cables.

Question 2: Explain how particles move in a longitudinal wave and provide an engineering example where this is utilised.

Answer: Particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave travel; example: seismic P-waves during earthquake analysis.

Question 3: Which type of wave is primarily used in ultrasound imaging? Briefly justify your answer.

Answer: Longitudinal waves; because they can travel through soft tissues and reflect back, creating images.

Question 1: A longitudinal seismic wave travels through the Earth's crust at a speed of 6000 m/s and has a frequency of 10 Hz. Calculate its wavelength.

Answer: Wavelength = wave speed / frequency = 6000 m/s / 10 Hz = 600 m

Question 2: An engineer is designing a communication cable that transmits electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 2.4 x 10^9 Hz and a wavelength of 0.125 m. Calculate the wave's speed in the cable.

Answer: Wave speed = frequency x wavelength = 2.4 x 10^9 Hz x 0.125 m = 3 x 10^8 m/s

Question 1: Describe a safety precaution an engineer should consider when working with ultrasonic waves in medical or industrial applications.

Answer: Ensure that ultrasonic energy levels do not exceed safe exposure limits to prevent tissue damage or equipment hazards.

Question 2: Identify the key variables that affect the transmission of longitudinal waves in a medium used for seismic surveys.

Answer: Medium density, elasticity, and wave frequency.

Question 1: An engineer records a longitudinal wave in a pipeline with a velocity of 1500 m/s and a wavelength of 0.75 m. Determine the wave's frequency and explain how this information could be used to detect faults in the pipeline.

Answer: Frequency = wave speed / wavelength = 1500 m/s / 0.75 m = 2000 Hz. This frequency information helps identify changes in wave speed or reflections indicating faults.

Question 2: Discuss how understanding wave properties has been crucial in the development of modern telecommunications infrastructure.

Answer: Understanding wave properties such as wavelength, frequency, and wave type is essential for designing efficient data transmission systems. Transverse electromagnetic waves enable high-speed wireless communication, while controlled longitudinal waves are used in cable-based systems. Analysing wave behaviour ensures minimal signal loss and optimal bandwidth, which are vital for reliable modern telecommunications.