Do Waves Behave Differently in Various Scenarios?

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In summary, the conversation covers various aspects of how waves behave when interacting with different surfaces and media. It also explores the relationship between frequency and wavelength of a wave. Some key points include: waves can bend when hitting a curved surface, a small opening can act as a point source for a wave, a wave's speed and direction can be affected by barriers, and the medium in which a wave travels determines its speed. Additionally, the concept of diffraction and refraction are discussed in relation to wave behavior.
  • #1
Jameson
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(True / False) A straight wave heads into a curved surface. It will reflect so that the wave scatters

(True / False) When a straight wave pases through a small opening, it produces a small straight wave.

(True / False) Unless it is disturbed each point on a wave will travel along either a straight or curved path.

(True / False) When an wave hits a barrier, the angle that it reflects depends on its speed.

(True / False) As a wave changes media its speed changes.

(True / False) Two waves traveling through the same medium meet, they will bounce off each other and change direction.

(True / False) The speed of a wave is determined by its medium.

(True / False) Defraction is the bending of a wave because its speed changes.

(True / False)As the frequency of a wave increases, its wavelength increases.

(True / False) During refraction, a wave bends because it hits the edge of a barrier.

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Here's my best answers for all of them.

1. T - a curved surface will make a wave bend
2. T - a small opening will make the wave be small
3. F - it will travel on a straight path if undisturbed
4. F - the angle depends on the barrier angle
5. T - speed is determined by media
6. F - the two waves will not necessarily change direction
7. T - speed is determined by media
8. F - diffraction is bending because of a barrier
9. F - frequency and wavelength are inversely related
10. F - refraction bends a wave because of media change
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Many thanks,
Jameson
 
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  • #2
What is this wave, water, light, sound what?
 
  • #3
(True / False) A straight wave heads into a curved surface. It will reflect so that the wave scatters
True but because a curved surface "spreads" out the wave- so it scatters. Even a straight surface will cause a wave to "bend"- that's not scattering.

(True / False) When a straight wave pases through a small opening, it produces a small straight wave.
False! A small opening acts like a "point source" the wave spreads out in circles.

(True / False) Unless it is disturbed each point on a wave will travel along either a straight or curved path.
? But it says "straight or curved path"! that's certainly true. Frankly I don't like the reference to a "point on a wave"- I assume this refers to a ray, but that's not clear. Anyway, if a water wave, for example, travels over a sloping bottom it will curve. Is that "disturbed" or not? Bad question in my opinion.

(True / False) When an wave hits a barrier, the angle that it reflects depends on its speed.
False. a wave will always reflect to make equal angles with the barrier.

(True / False) As a wave changes media its speed changes.
In general that's true. Of course, it is possible that two "different" media give the same wave speed.

(True / False) Two waves traveling through the same medium meet, they will bounce off each other and change direction.
False, they pass right through each other.

(True / False) The speed of a wave is determined by its medium.
True- as long as "medium" is understood to include the depth as well as the density of the liquid for waves in liquid.

(True / False) Defraction is the bending of a wave because its speed changes.
?? True- if the word was supposed to be "refraction", false if "diffraction". Bending because of a barrier is "reflection".

(True / False)As the frequency of a wave increases, its wavelength increases.
False, they are inversely proportional.

(True / False) During refraction, a wave bends because it hits the edge of a barrier.
False- that's "reflection". But why did you answer the opposite way in question 8?
 

What is a wavelength?

A wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave.

Is wavelength a physical quantity?

Yes, wavelength is a physical quantity that can be measured in units of length, such as meters or nanometers.

Can wavelength change?

Yes, wavelength can change depending on the medium through which the wave is traveling. It can also be affected by factors such as temperature and pressure.

Does wavelength affect the properties of a wave?

Yes, the wavelength of a wave is directly related to its frequency and energy. Waves with shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies and more energy, while waves with longer wavelengths have lower frequencies and less energy.

Is the wavelength of a wave always constant?

No, the wavelength of a wave can change if it encounters a boundary or obstacle that causes it to reflect or refract. Additionally, the wavelength of a wave can change over time due to factors such as interference or diffraction.

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