Question 1

When a wave enters a new medium, which quantity generally remains unchanged?

Accepted Answer

Frequency. Frequency stays the same because it is set by the source of the wave. The wave speed and wavelength can change in a new medium. The relation v = fλ connects these quantities.

Question 2

A wave in which particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation is called?

Accepted Answer

Transverse wave. It is a transverse wave because vibration is perpendicular to the wave’s travel direction. In longitudinal waves, vibration is parallel to propagation. Light is an example of a transverse electromagnetic wave.

Question 3

The time taken to complete one full oscillation is called?

Accepted Answer

Time period. Time period is correct because it measures one complete cycle duration. Frequency tells how many cycles occur per second. They are related by T = 1/f.

Question 4

In a longitudinal wave, the distance between two successive compressions is?

Accepted Answer

Wavelength. Wavelength is correct because it is the repeating spatial length of the wave. In a longitudinal wave, compression to compression spans one wavelength. The same idea applies from rarefaction to rarefaction.

Question 5

Sound waves in air are generally?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal mechanical waves. Sound in air is longitudinal and mechanical, so option C is correct. It needs a material medium to travel through. The particles oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation.

Waves Basics — Set 1