Chapter 7.

Wave Motion

Wave and Wave Motion

[+] Q. 1 Define wave motion.

Ans. : Wave motion can be defined as a disturbance which travels in the material medium and causes due to
repeated motion of the medium of particles about their mean position. The motion is transmitted from one particle
to the next particle periodically.

[+] Q. 2 What are Conditions necessary for wave propagation?

Ans. : The following are Conditions necessary for wave propagation

(a) Elasticity : Particles of the medium must have tendency to return to their original positions.

(b) Inertia : Medium must have capacity to store energy.

(c) Small frictional resistance : Small frictional resistance avoids dissipation of energy.

[+] Q. 3 What are the characteristics of wave motion?

Ans. : Characteristics of wave motion :

(1) Wave motion is the disturbance produced in the medium by repeated periodic motion of medium of particles.

(2) Wave moves in forward direction, the particles of the medium vibrate about their mean positions.

(3) There is a regular phase difference between particles of the medium.

(4) The velocity of wave is uniform throughout the medium.

(5) The velocity of particles of wave is different at different positions. Velocity of particle is maximum at mean
position and zero at extreme position.

Important Parameters Related to Wave

[+] Q. 4 Define the term – amplitude. (S-10, S-11, W-11)

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 Fig. 7.1

Ans. :

Amplitude (a) : The maximum displacement of particle on either side of its mean position is called its amplitude. In
Fig. 7.1, distance RS represents amplitude.

[+] Q. 5 Define the terms wavelength and frequency for sound wave. (S-11, W-13)

OR

Define :
(a) Wave period

(b) Wave frequency

(c) Wave length

(d) Wave velocity (W-11, W-12)

Ans.:

•Wave Period (T) : It is the time required to complete one vibration.

•Wave Frequency () : It is the number of vibrations performed by the particle in one second.

•Wavelength () : It is the distance travelled by wave to complete one vibration. 1 correspond to 1T (periodic
time). In Fig. 7.1 distance (OP) represents wavelength .

•Wave velocity (V) =

Vibratory Motion

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[+] Q. 6 Define vibrational motion

Ans. : The motion which takes place due to vibrations of particles of the medium is called vibratory motion.

Periodic Motion

[+] Q. 7 Define periodic motion

Ans. : Motion of particle that repeats at regular intervals is called periodic motion.

Example : 1) Motion of planets.

2) Motion of prongs of tunning fork.

Phase Angle

[+] Q. 8 Define Phase angle (S-13)

Ans. :

The angle which gives position, direction and displacement of particle in SHM at any instant is called phase angle in
SHM.

[+] Q. 9 Define Epoch in S.H.M. (S-13)

Ans. :

Initial phase angle or starting phase is called epoch. It is a periodic to and from motion along a straight line.

Progressive Wave

[+] Q. 10 Define progressive wave (S-13)

Ans. :

Wave travelling in a definite direction without changing its form is called progressive wave.

Example : Waves on a string, sound wave, light wave etc.

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Fig. 7.2 : Progressive wave

Types of Progressive Waves

[+] Q. 11 What are types of progressive waves? (S-13)

Ans. : Depending upon the direction of oscillation of the particles during the propagation of mechanical waves in a
medium, the wave motion is classified into two categories :

(a) Longitudinal waves

(b) Transverse waves

Longitudinal Waves

[+] Q. 12 Define Longitudinal wave. (W-09, W-10, W-12, S-13)

Ans. : When, the direction of displacement of particles of medium about their mean position is along (parallel to)
the direction of propagation of wave, then the wave is called Longitudinal wave.

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Fig. 7.3

Characteristics of Longitudinal Waves

[+] Q. 13 State any two characteristics of longitudinal waves. (W-10, S-11)

Ans. : The following are the characteristic of Longitudinal waves:

1. Longitudinal waves travel through a medium in the form of compressions (C) and rarefactions (R) as shown in
Fig. 7.4.

2. In compression region, the particles of the medium come closer and the separation between the particles
become less than normal separation between them.

3. There is decrease in volume and increase in density of medium in compression region.

The centers of compression are M, O, Q as shown in Fig. 7.4.

4. A rarefaction is a region of the medium in which particles are separated from each other by a distance greater
than their normal separation.

5. There is increase in volume and decrease in density of medium in this region.

The centers of rarefactions are L, N, P, as shown in Fig. 7.4.

Some common examples of longitudinal wave are :

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Fig. 7.4 : Spring tide to hook in a wall

Transverse Wave

[+] Q. 14 Define Transverse wave. (W-10, S-11, W-11, W-12, S-13)

Ans. :

When, displacement of particles of medium is in the direction, perpendicular to propagation of wave, then the
wave is called transverse wave.

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Fig. 7.5

Characteristics of Transverse Waves

[+] Q. 15 State three characteristics of traverse wave. (W-10, S-11, W-11)

Ans. : The following are the characteristics of transverse wave :

1. A transverse wave travels in the form of crests are troughs as shown in Fig. 7.6.

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Fig. 7.6

2. A crest is a part of medium which is raised momentarily above normal position of particles of medium.

3. Points L, N, P denote successive crests.

4. Crests have centers in positive direction with maximum displacements.

5. A trough is a portion of medium which is depressed momentarily below the normal position of particles of
medium.

6. Points M, O, Q denote centers of troughs.

7. Trough is position of maximum displacement in negative direction.

8. Some examples of transverse wave motion are :

9. Wave travelling along a string tied at one end and other end of string is moved up and down produces transverse
wave.

Difference between Transverse Waves and Longitudinal Waves

[+] Q. 16 Give any four points of distinction between longitudinal and transverse wave.

(S-10, S-12, W-13)

Ans. :

Sr.
Transverse waves Longitudinal waves
No.
1. When such waves travel through a medium, vibrations When such waves travel through medium, vibrations
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 of particles of the medium are perpendicular to of particles of the medium are parallel to the
direction of propagation of waves. direction of propagation of waves.
Medium is divided into alternate compression and
2. Medium is divided into alternate crests and troughs.
rarefactions.
Pressure and density of medium varies between
Pressure and density at any point of the medium is
3. maximum and minimum value during wave
constant during wave propagation.
propagation.
For wave propagation medium must posses modulus or For wave propagation medium must posses bulk
4.
rigidity. modulus.
These waves can travel through solids, liquids and
5. These waves can travel through solids only.
gases.
6. e.g. Light waves e.g. Sound waves

Important Formulae

Sr. No. Quantity S. I. Units

1. Amplitude (a) m
2. Period (T) s

3. Hz.
Frequency (n) n=
4. Wavelength () m, A
5. Velocity V = n m/s
6. n1 1 = n2 2
7. y = a sin t m
8. y = a sin (t + ) m

9. m/s
V=w
10. Acceleration = a2 m/s2



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