BTEC Applied Science Unit One Physics Questions and Answers

Define the amplitude of a wave The distance from the rest position to the top of the wave Define the period of a wave The time taken for one wavelength to pass a point Define the frequency of a wave The number of waves per second How many ms are in 1s? 1000 Define coherent light Coherent light has the same frequency/wavelength and is in phase Define a transverse wave The oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of travel Define a longitudinal wave The oscillations are parallel to the direction of travel How many radians are in 360 degrees? 2 pi Define phase difference Phase difference shows how much two waves are in line with each other. Measured in fractions or degrees What is constructive interference? When two waves in phase add together to make a larger amplitude wave What is destructive interference? When two waves in antiphase cancel each other out How do you make a standing wave? A wave is transmitted along a string, reflects back and the two waves superimpose with each other What is coherent light? light of the same wavelength that is in phase What is refraction? When light charges from one media to another and charges angle and direction because it slows down What is total internal reflection? When light reflects internally inside a piece of glass rather than refracting out because the angle of incidence is above the critical angle