Physics Assignment: Wavelength, Frequency, and Types of Waves, Assignments of Physics

Download Physics Assignment: Wavelength, Frequency, and Types of Waves and more Assignments Physics in PDF only on Docsity! Assignment #2 Chapter 2 Physics 102 – Dr. M. Bobrowsky – Spring 2009 Q2. (a) The cello is a larger instrument than the violin, so, in general, you would expect its wavelength to be longer. Therefore the frequency of a violin note would, in general, be higher than the frequency of a cello note. (b) A trombone has a longer tube than a trumpet, so its wavelength would also be longer. Therefore the frequency of a trumpet note would, in general, be higher than that of a trombone note Q3. (a) The bassoon is a larger instrument and produces lower frequency notes that have a greater period. (b) Likewise, notes sung by a man are, in general, at a lower frequency than those sung by a woman and therefore have a greater period. (c) Similarly, a tuba is larger than a trumpet and therefore produces notes that are lower in frequency and have a greater period. Q4. (a) Transverse waves are characterized by wave motions that are perpendicular, or transverse, to the direction the wave is propagating. Longitudinal waves are characterized by wave motions that are parallel, or longitudinal, to the direction the wave is propagating. (b) Examples of transverse waves include transverse waves in slinky springs, rope waves, water waves, and electromagnetic waves. Examples of longitudinal waves include longitudinal waves in slinky springs, sound waves, ultrasound and infrasound. (c) Light waves, and electromagnetic waves in general, require no medium. Q5. The bell-in-vacuum experiment consists of a bell ringing in an airtight jar. The bell can be seen and heard when there is air in the jar, but when the air is pumped out of the jar the bell can be seen but the sound can no longer be heard. This experiment demonstrates that sound needs a medium, such as air, in which to propagate. (The experiment, taken alone, does not rule out the possibility that light needs a medium, but the pump cannot remove it.)