PHYSICS CLASS 10TH

CHAPTER NO 12 (WAVES)

CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE QUESTIONS

1. a. In the graph below represents crest, trough and origin.

b. Also in similar graph show displacement, amplitude and wavelength

SHORT RESPONSE QUESTIONS

1. What will happen to frequency of wave in ripple tank if time period of electrical vibrator is decreased?
What will happen to speed of waves?
Effect of time period on frequency: Frequency and time
period of wave are inversely related, If the time period of the
electrical vibrator is decreased, the frequency of the waves
will increase.
𝑓 = 1⁄𝑇
Effect of time period on wave speed: The speed (v) of a wave
in a ripple tank depends on depth of water and not directly on
the frequency of the vibrator. Therefore, decreasing the time
period will not directly affect the wave speed.
Conclusion: If the time period of the electrical vibrator is decreased, the frequency of the waves will increase.
The speed of the waves will remain unchanged.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
2. What will happen to wavelength, speed, frequency and time period of water waves in ripple tank if water
waves enter from deep water to shallow water regions?
In ripple tank when waves move from deep to shallow water their
then wave characteristics are changed:
Wavelength: Decreases from deep to shallow water. This means the
waves become closer together as they enter the shallow water.
Speed: Speed and wavelength are directly related; hence speed of
water wave also decreases as it moves from deep to shallow water.
𝒗∝𝝀
Frequency and time period: When water wave moves from deep to
shallow water their frequency remains same because it is equal to the
frequency of the vibrator and hence the time period also remains
constant in both parts of water.
𝑣 = 𝑓𝝀
Conclusion: When water waves move from deep to shallow water, the speed decreases, the wavelength
decreases, the frequency and the time period remains constant.
3. Nuclear fusion explosions are taking place at sun; we get heat on earth but do not hear sound. Why?
Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium (solid, liquid, gas) to propagate. The space between
the Sun and Earth is a vacuum which has no medium. Therefore, the sound produced by nuclear fusion on the
Sun cannot reach Earth.
Heat from the Sun travels to Earth via electromagnetic radiation (light). Electromagnetic waves can travel
through the vacuum or space without any medium.
Conclusion: We receive heat from the Sun because heat travels as electromagnetic radiation, which can travel
through a vacuum. We do not hear sound from the Sun because sound waves require a medium to propagate,
and the space between the Sun and Earth is a vacuum.
4. Why do water waves refract at boundary of shallow water and deep water? Relate this behavior to
refraction of light.
Refraction is the phenomena in which speed and direction of
wave changes when it moves from one medium to another
due to change in density of particles.
Water waves refract at the boundary between shallow and
deep water because the wave speed changes as the depth
changes. The part of the wave entering shallow water first
slows down, causing the wave to bend.
𝒗∝𝝀
This is analogous to the refraction of light when it passes
from one medium to another (e.g., from air to water). Light
also changes its direction and speed when it enters a different
medium, causing it to bend.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
5. Classify different wave types based on whether they require a medium for propagation. Justify why
electromagnetic waves do not require medium?
On the basis of medium waves have two types:
Mechanical waves Electromagnetic waves
Waves which require any medium for their Waves which do not require any medium for their
propagation are called mechanical waves. propagation are called electromagnetic waves.
Mechanical waves are caused by vibrations or Electromagnetic waves are caused by oscillations of
disturbances in a medium. electric and magnetic fields.
They transfer energy through the medium by causing They transfer energy through these oscillating fields,
particles to oscillate or vibrate. which can propagate through space without a
medium.
Examples of mechanical waves are water waves, Examples of electromagnetic waves are radio waves,
sound waves and waves produced on the strings and television waves, X-rays, heat and light waves.
springs.

Electromagnetic waves do not require medium:

• Electromagnetic waves are self-propagating disturbances in the electromagnetic field y changing electric and
magnetic fields.
• They consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and to the
direction of wave propagation.
• These fields create each other and sustain the wave's propagation without needing a material medium to carry
the energy.
6. Under what conditions maximum diffraction of waves occurs?
Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.
Maximum diffraction occurs when the size of the opening or obstacle is smaller or comparable with the
wavelength of the wave.
7. Distinguish between reflection and refraction by describing how each process affects wave direction and
speed. Design an experiment to demonstrate both phenomenon using a ripple tank, and evaluate how
changes in medium affect each process?
Reflection Refraction
When waves moving in one medium fall on the When a wave from one medium enters into the
surface of another medium, they bounce back into second medium at some angle, its direction of
the first medium travel changes.
The angle of incidence equals the angle of The angle of refraction depends on the change in
reflection. speed.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 The speed of the wave remains unchanged. The change in speed is due to a change in the
wave's properties in the new medium.
Ripple Tank Experiment:
Experiment:
Generate water waves in a ripple tank using a dipper.
Reflection:
• Place a flat barrier in the tank to observe reflection.
• In reflection as medium remains the same so wave speed
will not change.
Effect of Medium Changes:
Changes in the material of the barrier will affect the reflection, a smooth surface will reflect better than a rough
one.
Refraction:
• Create a shallow region in the tank by partially filling it with
water.
• Observe the refraction of waves as they pass from the deep to
shallow region.
• Speed of water waves increase as it moves from shallow to deep
water due to change in its wavelength and vice versa.
Effect of Medium Changes:
During refraction when medium changes the direction of travel of wave changes and hence its speed and
wavelength.
LONG RESPONSE QUESTIONS
1. How does a wave transfer energy without transferring matter? How does this principle apply to different
media like ropes, water and air?
A wave is a disturbance in the medium which causes the particles of the medium to undergo vibratory motion
about their mean position in equal intervals of time.
Waves as carrier of energy:
i. The disturbance causes particles in the medium to oscillate or vibrate around their equilibrium position
ii. These oscillations transmit energy to neighboring particles, and the disturbance moves through the medium
hence also the energy from one point to another.
iii. When the particles of medium vibrate, they don't move with the wave from one point to another.
iv. Net displacement of particles is zero during the wave motion
v. Hence the wave carries the energy, but not the matter itself.
Waves in rope:
i. Take a rope and mark a point P on it.
ii. Tie one end of the rope with a support and stretch the rope by holding its other end in
your hand
iii. Now, flipping the rope up and down regularly will set up a wave in the rope which will
travel towards the fixed end.
iv.The shows the transfer of energy from hour hand to the fixed end through wave without
displacement of particles itself.
Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali
Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 Waves in water:
i. When you throw a pebble into water, it creates ripples.
ii. The disturbance in the form of ripples produces water waves, which move away from the source.
iii.The water particles oscillate up and down, transferring energy from the pebble to surrounding water
particles. The net displacement of the particles is zero.
iv. Water particles move up and down, but they don't travel horizontally with the wave.
Waves in air:
i. Sound waves are example of energy transfer through the vibration of air particles.
ii. When a sound source vibrates, it compresses and expands the air, creating regions of higher and lower
pressure.
iii. These pressure changes then travel through the air, transferring energy from the source to the receiver.
iv. Air particles move back and forth, but the air as a whole doesn't move with the sound wave.
2. Describe the characteristics of wave (wavelength, frequency, amplitude) and their relationship to each
other. How do these characteristics affect the wave’s energy and behavior?
A. Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs. The distance between two consecutive
compressions or rarefactions
Symbol: Lambda (𝜆)
Unit: Meter (m)
Wavelength and frequency are inversely related to each other. Waves with smaller wavelength have greater
frequency and vice versa.
𝝀 ∝ 𝟏⁄𝒇
Effect of wavelength on wave’s energy:
Wavelength and Energy of wave are inversely related to each other. Shorter wavelengths mean higher frequency,
and higher frequency typically means more energy.
Gamma rays (short wavelengths) have much higher energy than radio waves (long wavelengths).
Effect of wavelength on wave’s behavior:
Reflection: Wavelengths can also affect how much a wave is reflected, absorbed, or transmitted when it
encounters an interface.
Refraction: As waves enter a new medium, they can change speed and direction, which alters their
wavelength. For example, a wave slowing down as it enters shallow water will decrease in wavelength.
Diffraction: Wavelength plays a role in how waves bend around obstacles. Shorter wavelengths diffract less
than longer wavelengths.
B. Frequency: The frequency of a wave is the number of wave cycles that pass a given point in one second.
Symbol: “f”
Unit: It is measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz equals 1 cycle per second.
Frequency and Wavelength are inversely related to each other. Waves with smaller wavelength have greater
frequency and vice versa.
𝝀 ∝ 𝟏⁄𝒇
Effect of frequency on wave’s energy:
Frequency is directly proportional to energy. Higher frequency waves carry more energy than lower frequency
waves.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 Effect of frequency on wave’s behavior:
Changes in frequency can affect how waves interact with other matter or fields. For example, higher-frequency
light can be absorbed more readily by certain materials, while lower-frequency light might pass through them.

C. Amplitude: The maximum displacement of wave from equilibrium or mean position.

Effect of amplitude on wave’s energy:
The amount of energy carried by the wave depends on the distance
of the particles from its rest position. That is, the energy in a wave
depends on the amplitude of the wave.
If we shake the string faster, we give more energy per second to
produce wave of higher frequency, and the wave delivers more
energy per second to the particles of the string as it moves forward.
Effect of amplitude on wave’s behavior:
In mechanical waves like sound, a greater amplitude means the vibrating object travels further, and thus carries
more energy.
A sound wave with a larger amplitude creates a louder sound because the vibrations in the medium are more
intense.
In light, a larger amplitude means the wave is brighter because it carries more energy and has a greater intensity.
3. Explain relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength using the equation 𝒗 = 𝒇𝝀. Analyze
a scenario where one of these variables changes and discuss the impact on the others.
Relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength:
Wave is a disturbance in a medium which travels from one place to another and hence has a specific speed of
travelling. This is called wave speed which is defined by:
Wave Speed: Distance travelled by wave in unit time.
𝑑
𝑣=
𝑡
If time taken by the wave in moving from one point to another is equal to its time period T, then the distance
covered by the wave will be equal to one wavelength 𝜆, 𝑡 = 𝑇 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑 = 𝜆
𝜆
𝑣=
𝑇
1
𝑣 = ×𝜆
𝑇
1
But time period T, is reciprocal of the frequency f, i.e. 𝑇 = 𝑓
Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali
Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 𝑣=𝑓𝝀
It is universal wave equation which is true for both longitudinal and transverse waves.
Relation between frequency and wavelength:
Frequency and wavelength of wave are inversely related to each
other if speed of wave is constant. By increasing the wavelength
frequency of wave decreases and vice versa.
1
𝑓 ∝ (𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 "v"𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡)
𝝀

Relation between speed and wavelength:

Speed and wavelength of wave are directly related to each other. By increasing the wavelength, speed of wave
also increases.
𝑣∝𝝀

Relaion between speed and frequency:

Speed and frequency of wave are directly related. Increasing the
frequency of wave also increases its speed.
𝑣∝𝑓

4. Compare and contrast longitudinal and transverse waves, providing examples of each. Why is this
distinction important in understanding wave behavior?
Transverse Waves Longitudinal waves
The waves in which particles of medium vibrate The waves in which particles of medium vibrate
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of waves parallel to the direction of propagation of waves.
They contain crest and trough They contain compression and rarefaction
The energy is transferred in the same direction as the The energy is transferred perpendicular to the
wave's motion. direction of the wave's motion.
For example, light waves, radio waves, x-rays, For example, sound waves, Seismic P-waves
Seismic S-waves

Importance of the Distinction: The distinction between transverse and longitudinal waves is crucial because it
affects several aspects of wave behavior:
Speed: The speed of a wave depends on the properties of the medium and the type of wave. The speed of sound
in a solid is different for longitudinal and transverse waves.
Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali
Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 Diffraction and Refraction: The way waves bend around obstacles (diffraction) and change direction when
passing from one medium to another (refraction) are influenced by the wave type.
Medium Compatibility: Knowing whether a wave is longitudinal or transverse helps determine which types of
media can support the wave. For example, sound waves require a medium to travel through, while electromagnetic
waves can travel through a vacuum.
Polarization: Only transverse waves can be polarized. Polarization refers to the restriction of the oscillation
direction of the wave. Light can be polarized, but sound cannot.
5. Describe how waves undergo reflection, refraction, and diffraction. Analyze a real-world scenario to
illustrate these phenomena?
Reflection: When waves moving in one medium fall on the surface of another medium, they bounce back into
the first medium such that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
Explanation: We explain the reflection of water waves
with the help of ripple tank.
i. Place a barrier in the ripple tank. The water waves will
reflect from the barrier.
ii. If the barrier is placed at an angle to the wavefront, the
reflected waves can be seen to obey the law of reflection
i.e., the angle of the incident wave along the normal will
be equal to the angle of the reflected wave.
Refraction: When a wave from one medium enters into the second medium at some angle, its direction of travel
changes.
Explanation:
i. The speed of a wave in water depends on the depth of water.
ii. If a block is submerged in the ripple tank, the depth of water in
the tank will be shallower over the block than elsewhere.
iii. When water waves enter the region of shallow water their
wavelength decreases.
iv. We will observe that in addition to the change in wavelength, the
waves change their direction of propagation as well.
v. The direction of propagation is always normal to the wavefronts.
vi. This change of path of water waves while passing from a region of deep water to that of shallower one is called
refraction.
Diffraction: The bending or spreading of waves around the sharp edges or corners of obstacles or slits is called
diffraction.
Explanation:
Generate straight waves in a ripple tank and place two obstacles in line in such a way that
separation between
them is equal to the wavelength of water waves.
After passing through a small slit between the two obstacles, the waves will spread in
every direction and change into almost semicircular pattern.
Diffraction of waves can only be observed clearly if the size of the obstacle is comparable with the wavelength
of the wave.
Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali
Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
6. How does wavelength of waves affect its diffraction pattern? What factors determine the extent of
diffraction, and how can this principle be applied in technology?
Diffraction: The bending or spreading of waves around the sharp edges or corners of obstacles or slits is called
diffraction.
Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs. The distance between two consecutive
compressions or rarefactions.
Effect of wavelength on diffraction pattern:
Wavelength of wave is directly related to the diffraction pattern. Waves with greater wavelength diffract more as
compare to waves with smaller wavelength.
Waves with longer wavelengths (like sound waves) diffract more readily than shorter wavelengths (like light
waves) when encountering obstacles or openings.
This is because the longer wavelength is more sensitive to the edge of the obstacle, causing the wave to bend
more significantly.
Factors Determining Extent of Diffraction:
Wavelength: Wavelength of wave is directly related to the diffraction pattern. Waves with greater wavelength
diffract more as compare to waves with smaller wavelength.
𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ ∝ 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
Obstacle/Opening Size: Obstacle/opening size is inversely related to diffraction pattern Diffraction of waves
can only be observed clearly if the size of the obstacle/opening is less or comparable with the wavelength of the
wave. Smaller obstacles/openings lead to greater diffraction.
1
𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑧𝑒 ∝
𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Diffraction and Technology:

Holography: Diffraction is fundamental to creating three-dimensional images in holography, where a laser beam
is split and interferes to record an object's light pattern.
Optical Fiber Communication: Diffraction gratings are used to select specific wavelengths of light for use in
optical fibers, optimizing communication performance.
Security Features: Holograms on credit cards and banknotes utilize diffraction to create three-dimensional
images that are difficult to replicate.
X-ray Crystallography: X-ray diffraction provides information about the atomic structure of materials by
analyzing the diffraction pattern produced when X-rays interact with a crystal.
Data Storage: Diffraction plays a role in reading data from CDs and DVDs, where a laser beam interacts with
the disc's surface to retrieve information.
Medical Diagnostics: Light diffraction finds applications in medical diagnostics, particularly in techniques like
optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT can detect abnormalities in tissues, such as retinal diseases in
ophthalmology or lesions in dermatology, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
7. Explain the formation of tsunamis due to underwater earthquakes. Discuss how these wave changes as
they move from deep to shallow water and their potential impact?
A tsunami is a series of extremely long waves caused by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean, usually
the result of an earthquake below or near the ocean floor.
Formation of tsunamis due to underwater earthquakes:
Tsunamis are most commonly caused by underwater earth
quakes, especially those that happen at tectonic plate boundaries
where one plate is pushed beneath the other.
This sudden movement of the ocean floor displaces a large
amount of water, resulting in powerful waves that travels across
the ocean
The sudden vertical or horizontal movement of the seafloor
during an earthquake displaces water, initiating the tsunami
wave.
Other Causes of tsunamis:
• Underwater volcanic eruptions
• Landslides under the ocean
• Movement of sediment and rock on sea floor
• Meteorite impacts
• Weather Disturbance

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 Tsunamis in deep and shallow water:
Tsunamis have significantly different impacts in deep
and shallow water.
In deep water, tsunami waves have long wavelengths
and small amplitudes or wave heights. This means the
pressure exerted by the water is distributed over a large
area, resulting in relatively low pressure for the
individual
wave.
As a tsunami enters shallower water, the wave begins to slow down, and the water starts to pile up, increasing the
wave height and decreasing the wavelength. This concentration of water into a smaller vertical space means the
pressure within the wave increases significantly, leading to massive coastal destruction.
Potential Impact:
Coastal Flooding: Tsunamis can flood coastal areas with large volumes of water, inundating homes, businesses,
and infrastructure.
Human Injuries and Deaths: Drowning is the most significant cause of death in tsunamis, but debris can also
cause crush injuries, fractures, and other wounds.
Damage to Infrastructure: Structures are vulnerable to damage from the powerful waves and debris carried by
the tsunami.
Debris and Hazards: Tsunami debris and sediment can accumulate on the land and seabed, requiring long-term
cleanup efforts and potentially impacting marine life.
Environmental Impacts:
Tsunamis can lead to flooding, erosion, and the spread of pollutants and invasive species, affecting coastal
ecosystems and resources.
8. How does the amplitude of wave relate to the amount of energy it carries? Use mathematical reasoning
and real-world examples to support your answer.
Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a wave from its rest
position.
The energy a wave carries is directly related to its amplitude. Larger
amplitude waves carry more energy than smaller amplitude waves.
The energy of a wave is not only directly proportional to the amplitude, but
rather to the square of the amplitude.
𝑬 ∝ 𝑨𝟐
This means that even a small increase in amplitude can lead to a significant
increase in energy.
Real-world examples:
Sound waves: A louder sound has a higher amplitude and carries more
energy, while a quieter sound has a lower amplitude and carries less energy.
When we beat a drum forcefully, the amplitude of its membrane increases and
we hear a loud sound.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 Light waves: A brighter light has a higher amplitude and carries more energy,
while dimmer light has a lower amplitude and carries less energy.
Water waves:
Larger waves have higher amplitudes and carry more energy, which can cause more
erosion or damage.
Smaller waves have lower amplitudes and carry less energy.
Tsunamis wave in deep water has less amplitude and energy while their amplitude increases in shallow water
and hence the energy of wave
Earthquakes:
Larger amplitude seismic waves cause more ground displacement and greater damage. Smaller amplitude
seismic waves cause less ground displacement and less damage.
9. Differentiate between primary and secondary seismic waves. How do these waves provide insights into
earth’s internal structure?
Seismic P-Waves Seismic S-Waves
1 These are Longitudinal waves, meaning the These are transverse waves, the particles move
particles move parallel to the wave's direction of perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel.
travel.
2 P-Waves are fastest seismic waves, traveling S- Waves are slower than P waves, and only travel
through both solid and liquid materials. through solid materials.
3 Seismic P-waves can travel through all layers of the Seismic S-waves cannot travel through the liquid
Earth, including the liquid outer core. outer core.
4 The absence of Seismic P-waves in the shadow The absence of Seismic S-waves in the shadow
zones indicate the presence of the liquid outer core zones reveals that the outer core is liquid.

Insights into earth’s internal structure:

Location and Depth of Earthquakes:
By comparing the arrival times of P and S waves at different seismic stations, geoscientists can pinpoint the
location of an earthquake and determine its depth.
The difference in travel time between P and S waves increases with distance from the earthquake, allowing for
distance estimations.
Identifying Earth's Layers:
The speed at which seismic waves travel is affected by the density and composition of the materials they pass
through.
Changes in wave speed as they travel through different layers of the Earth (crust, mantle, core) reveal boundaries
between these layers.
Characterizing the Core:
The behavior of seismic waves in the core, including their speed and attenuation, helps reveal the core's internal
structure and composition.
Studies of inner core shear properties, anisotropy, and stratification of the outer core, using techniques like coda-
correlation wavefield, are enhancing our understanding of the core.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 Understanding Earth's History:
By studying the seismic properties of different regions, scientists can reconstruct past geological events and
processes, such as plate movements and volcanic activity.
3-D Imaging:
By analyzing the paths and speeds of seismic waves, scientists can create 3D images of the Earth's interior,
revealing its structure and composition.
10. Discuss practical applications of wave reflection, refraction and diffraction in technology. Provide
examples and analyze their significance.
Wave reflection, refraction, and diffraction have numerous practical applications in technology. These
phenomena are crucial for everything from seeing our surroundings to advanced technologies like internet
communication.
A. Wave Reflection:
Mirrors: Reflection allows us to see our surroundings by bouncing light off surfaces like mirrors and other
polished objects.
SONAR: Sound wave reflection is used in sonar technology to detect objects underwater, like submarines, by
measuring the time it takes for sound waves to bounce back.
Optical Fibers: Reflection of light waves within the core of an optical fiber allows for the transmission of
information over long distances, forming the basis for high-speed internet and communication networks.
B. Wave Refraction:
Lenses: Lenses use refraction to bend light and form images, allowing us to see things closer or farther away
and create magnification in devices like eyeglasses, cameras, and microscopes.
Prisms: Prisms use refraction to separate white light into its constituent colors, creating rainbows and other
optical displays.
Cameras: Refraction of light through lenses is essential for focusing and capturing images in cameras and movie
projectors.
C. Wave Diffraction:
Holography: Diffraction is fundamental to creating three-dimensional images in holography, where a laser beam
is split and interferes to record an object's light pattern.
Optical Fiber Communication: Diffraction gratings are used to select specific wavelengths of light for use in
optical fibers, optimizing communication performance.
Medical Diagnostics: Light diffraction finds applications in medical diagnostics, particularly in techniques like
optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT can detect abnormalities in tissues, such as retinal diseases in
ophthalmology or lesions in dermatology, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment.

SLO QUESTIONS
1. What is meant by crest and trough? Explain with help of transverse
wave diagram
Crest: The point on transverse waves above the mean or equilibrium
position.
Trough: The point on transverse waves below the mean or equilibrium
position.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
2. What is meant by compression and rarefaction? Explain with help
of diagram
Compression: The point on longitudinal waves where particles are
close together with higher density and pressure.
Rarefaction: The point on longitudinal waves where particles are apart
from each other with lower density and pressure.

3. Briefly explain the term wavefront?

Wavefront: The locus of all points that travelled some distance during a fixed interval.

Types of wavefronts:
1. Plane Wavefront:
• These wavefronts are flat and are produced by a distant light source.
• They are considered to be parallel to the direction of propagation.
• Examples include light from a distant star or a parallel beam of light
from a laser.
2. Spherical Wavefront:
• These wavefronts are curved and are produced by a point source of light.
• They expand outwards in all directions from the point source.
• Examples include sound waves from a point source or electromagnetic waves
from a point source.
4. Why longitudinal waves move faster in solids than transverse waves?
Longitudinal waves move faster through solids than through gases or liquids. Transverse waves move through
solids at a speed of less than half of the speed of longitudinal waves. It is because the restoring force exerted
during this up and down motion of particles of the medium is less than the restoring force exerted by a back-and-
forth motion of particles of the medium in case of longitudinal waves.
5. How much energy is carried by low and high frequency waves?
Generating a high frequency wave, requires more energy per second than to generate a low frequency wave. Thus,
a high frequency wave carries more energy than a l ow frequency wave of the same amplitude.
6. What do the dark and bright fringes on the screen of ripple tank represent?
Dark fringes represent trough and bright fringes represent crest on the screen of ripple tank.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 7. How radio waves are transmitted in mountains and hilly areas?
Diffraction is the phenomenon of bending waves around an obstacle that is comparable to the wavelength of the
waves. Different frequencies of radio waves have different propagation characteristics in the Earth's atmosphere;
long waves can diffract around obstacles like mountains and follow the contour of the Earth (ground waves)
diffraction allows radio waves to bend over hills and other obstacles
8. Write down at least three common properties of longitudinal and transverse waves?
i. Both are mechanical waves
ii. Both carries energy
iii.Both satisfy the wave equation v=f λ
9. Why do different types of waves require different media to travel through?
Different types of waves require different media for travel because their mechanisms of energy transfer depend
on the interactions between the wave and the medium's particles.
The difference in the need for a medium stem from the fundamental mechanism by which each type of wave
transfers energy.
Mechanical waves rely on particle interactions within a medium, while electromagnetic waves rely on the
propagation of electric and magnetic fields, which don't require a medium.
10. What factors influence the size and speed of a tsunami?
• The size of the tsunami is affected by the
i. Magnitude and location of the earthquake,
ii. Vertical displacement of the ocean floor,
iii. Depth of the water.
• The speed of a tsunami in deep water can reach hundreds of kilometers per hour.
• As the tsunami approaches the coast and enters shallow water, its speed decreases, but its amplitude (height),
pressure and energy increases.
11. How do tsunamis behave in deep vs. shallow water?
In deep water, tsunamis have long wavelengths, relatively small amplitudes, and high speeds with low pressure
and energy.
As they approach the shore and enter shallow water, their wavelengths decrease, their speeds decrease, but their
amplitudes (heights), energy and pressure increase significantly
12. What is the difference between a tsunami and a wind-driven wave?
Tsunami Wind-driven waves
Tsunamis are generated by large vertical disturbances Wind- driven waves are generated by wind friction on
of the ocean, such as earthquakes, landslides, or the ocean surface.
volcanic eruptions.
Tsunami waves wavelength is extremely long, Wind-driven waves wavelength is short, measured in
measured in miles. feet.
Tsunami speed is very fast, can travel across oceans at Wind driven waves have relatively slow compared to
speeds up to 500 mph in deep water. tsunamis.
Tsunami causes extensive flooding and destruction Wind driven waves primarily cause damage to boats
along coastlines due to their sheer volume and force. and coastal structures, but are not as destructive as
tsunamis in terms of widespread coastal flooding.

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1 C 2 A 3 D 4 D

5 C 6 D 7 D 8 C

9 A 10 C 11 B

NUMERICAL RESPONSE QUESTIONS

1. If 10 waves are produced on long stretched 2. In a ripple tank of length 𝟏. 𝟓 𝒎, waves cover
string of length 𝟐𝟎 𝒎. What is wavelength of this length in 𝟐 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔. If distance between
the waves? What will be frequency of the two consecutive crests and trough is 𝟏𝟎 𝒄𝒎
waves if speed of waves is 𝟏𝟐𝒎𝒔−𝟏 ? then find the number of waves, frequency of
Given Data: waves and their time period.
𝑁𝑜 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑠 = 𝑁 = 10 Given Data:
𝑑 = 20 𝑚 𝑑 = 1.5 𝑚
𝑣 = 12𝑚𝑠 −1 𝑡 = 2 𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝜆 =? 𝜆
= 10𝑐𝑚 = 0.1 𝑚
𝑓 =? 2
𝜆 = 0.2 𝑚
Formula:
𝑁 =?
𝑣 = 𝑑⁄𝑡
𝑓 =?
𝑓 = 𝑁⁄𝑡 𝑇 =?
𝑣 = 𝑓𝝀 Formula:
Solution: 𝑣 = 𝑑⁄𝑡
To find time we use
𝑓 = 𝑁⁄𝑡
𝑡 = 𝑑⁄𝑣
𝑣 = 𝑓𝜆
𝑡 = 20⁄12 Solution:
𝒕 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔 𝒔𝒆𝒄 To find “v” we use
Now find frequency 𝑣 = 𝑑⁄𝑡
𝑓 = 𝑁⁄𝑡
𝑣 = 1.5⁄2
𝑓 = 10⁄1.6666
𝒗 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓 𝒎𝒔−𝟏
𝒇 = 𝟔 𝑯𝒛 Now find frequency
Now find wavelength 𝑓 = 𝑣⁄𝜆
𝜆 = 𝑣⁄𝑓
𝑓 = 0.75⁄0.2
𝜆 = 12⁄6 𝒇 = 𝟑. 𝟕𝟓 𝑯𝒛
𝝀=𝟐𝒎

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)
 Now find Time period 4. A wooden bar vibrating into the water surface
𝑇 = 1⁄𝑓 in a ripple tank has a frequency of 𝟏𝟐 𝑯𝒛. The
resulting wave has a wavelength of 𝟑 𝒄𝒎.
𝑇 = 1⁄3.75
What is the speed of wave?
𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟔𝟔𝟔 𝒔𝒆𝒄 Given Data:
Now find No of waves 𝑓 = 12 𝐻𝑧
𝑁 =𝑓×𝑡 𝜆 = 3 𝑐𝑚 = 0.03 𝑚
𝑁 = 3.75 × 2 𝑣 =?
𝑵 = 𝟕. 𝟓 Formula:
3. Calculate the frequency of red light of 𝑣 = 𝑓𝜆
wavelength 𝟕𝟎𝟎 𝒏𝒎 in vacuum. Solution:
Given Data: 𝑣 = (12)(0.03)
𝜆 = 700 𝑛𝑚 = 700 × 10−9 𝑚 𝒗 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟔 𝒎𝒔−𝟏
𝑣 = 3 × 108 𝑚𝑠 −1 5. What is the wavelength of radio waves
𝑓 =? transmitted by FM station at 𝟗𝟎 𝑴𝑯𝒛 ?
Formula: Given Data:
𝑣 = 𝑓𝝀 𝑓 = 90 𝑀𝐻𝑧 = 90 × 106 𝐻𝑧
Solution: 𝑣 = 3 × 108 𝑚𝑠 −1
𝑓 = 𝑣⁄𝝀 𝜆 =?
3 × 108 Formula:
𝑓=
700 × 10−9 𝑣 = 𝑓𝜆
𝒇 = 𝟒. 𝟐𝟗 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟒 𝑯𝒛 Solution:
𝜆 = 𝑣⁄𝑓
3 × 108
𝜆=
90 × 106
𝝀 = 𝟑. 𝟑𝟑 𝒎

Composed By: Muhammad Tayyab Ali

Lecturer Army Public School & College
(03467877749)