Waves - Definition, Types, Properties, Application

Waves - Definition, Types, Properties, Application

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Oct 12, 2023 11:49 AM IST

Introduction:-
We looked at the motion of objects oscillating in isolation in the last chapter. What happens when similar objects are grouped together in a system? A material medium is an example of this. Elastic forces link the elements together in this situation, thus one's motion impacts the others. The water surface of a still pond is disturbed when a little pebble is dropped in it. The disruption does not stay in one spot, but rather spreads outward in a circle. If you keep dropping pebbles in the pond, you'll notice that circles are fast expanding outward from the place where the water surface is disturbed. It gives the impression that the water is moving away from the source of the disturbance.

When several cork pieces are placed on the disturbed surface, they move up and down but do not move away from the centre of the disturbance. This demonstrates that instead of the water mass flowing outward with the circles, a moving disturbance is formed. Similarly, when we speak, the sound travels outward from us with no airflow from one section of the medium to the next. Air disturbances are far less evident, and we can only detect them with our ears or a microphone. Waves are patterns that move without including the physical transfer or flow of matter as a whole.

Different examples of waves

  • ocean waves,
  • seismic waves,
  • flag waves,
  • sine wave,
  • sound waves etc.

List of topics according to NCERT and JEE Main/NEET syllabus

  • Transverse and longitudinal waves.
  • Displacement relation in a progressive wave.
  • The speed of a travelling wave.
  • The principle of superposition of waves.
  • Reflection of waves.
  • Beats.
  • Doppler effect
  • Basics of Mechanical, Progressive and Stationary waves
  • Standing waves in string and organ pipes
  • Formation of beats.

Related Topics,

Important concepts and Laws

NCERT Notes Subject Wise Link:

Importance of Waves class 11

Wave Mechanics has a weightage of roughly 4% of questions in the last 8 years of the NEET exam, according to the NEET chapter wise weightage for NEET examination.

NCERT Solutions Subject wise link:

NCERT Exemplar Solutions Subject wise link:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Earth does not hear explosions on other worlds. Why?

Earth does not hear explosions on other planets because there is no material medium between the earth and the planets over a long distance, and sound waves cannot propagate without a material medium.

2. Why are pressure waves termed longitudinal waves?

Longitudinal waves are called pressure waves because the propagation of longitudinal waves in a medium involves fluctuations in air volume and pressure, which result in compressions and rarefactions.

3. What is the purpose of the two prongs on tuning forks?

A tuning fork has two prongs because the two prongs produce resonance vibrations that make the vibrations last longer.

4. On an overcast day, sound velocity increases. Why?

On a cloudy day, sound velocity increases because the air is wet and contains a lot of moisture, the density of air is reduced, and because velocity is inversely related to density, sound velocity increases.

5. Is it possible to make beats with two light sources with roughly similar frequencies?

No, because light emission is a random and quick occurrence, and instead of beats, we get uniform intensity.

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Question : Read the passage and answer the following questions.
IIT Delhi researchers have designed and fabricated a device that can generate electricity from water drops, raindrops, water streams, and even from ocean waves using "Triboelectric Effect" and "Electrostatic Induction". The device is called "Liquid-solid Interface Triboelectric Nanogenerator". The generated electricity can be stored in batteries for further use. Triboelectric effect is a known phenomenon for a long time, and in this effect, charges are generated when two surfaces are in friction. The best example we see are sparkling lights when we move the blankets/jackets.

The device has a very simple structure consisting of specially designed nanocomposite polymers and contact electrodes and can generate a few Milliwatt mW power, which is sufficient to power small electronic devices like watches, digital thermometers, radio frequency transmitters, healthcare sensors, pedometers. When compared to conventional methods, such as the use of the piezoelectric effect, the present device can generate significantly more electricity.

The researchers successfully incorporated nanostructures into a polymer matrix, which enhanced the film's surface roughness, polarizability, and hydrophobicity, among other characteristics, as a result. Due to the enhancement in the above property, the flexible film is used to fabricate the device where raindrops have just to slide down and can generate electricity. The artificially created rough surface allows to generate more charge and superhydrophobic properties of the solid surface help to roll the water drop without getting stick to the surface.

The IIT Delhi research team also explored the underlying mechanism of the electricity generated when the water drop comes in contact with the solid surface and it is shown that saline water drops generate more electricity. The researchers also showed that the device can even work with ocean waves, where the water is saline, and through the ocean waves contacting the surface of nanocomposite polymer film, electricity is generated.

Question:Name the electronic devices which can be powered with the device mentioned in the passage:
1. Watches
2. Pedometers
3. Refrigerators
4. Radio Frequency Transmitters

 

Option 1: Only 1 and 2
 

Option 2: All 1,2,3, and 4
 

Option 3: Only 3 and 4
 

Option 4: Only 1,2 , and 4

Correct Answer: Only 1,2 , and 4


Solution : The correcrt option is 4 i.e  "Only 1, 2, and 4."
Explanation:

 Let's refer to the following lines of the passage:

The device has a very simple structure consisting of specially designed nanocomposite polymers and contact electrodes and can generate a few Milliwatt (Mw) power, which is sufficient to power small electronic devices like watches, digital thermometers, radio frequency transmitters, healthcare sensors, pedometers. 
The above statement clearly mention the watches, pedometers and radio frequency transmitters.

Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Climatic disasters are (1)_______ increasingly common due to the effects of climate change. These disasters include extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts. To mitigate the effects of these disasters, it is essential to invest in disaster preparedness and (2)______ The impact of climatic disasters is not limited to the loss of life and property damage. For example, hurricanes can disrupt the oil and gas industry, leading to higher fuel prices and (3)_______ Floods can damage crops and infrastructure, leading to food shortages and disruptions to transportation systems. Rising temperatures can lead to more frequent heat waves, while changes in precipitation patterns can lead to more (4)_______ droughts and floods. Climatic disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Collaboration among governments, communities, and businesses is crucial for effective disaster preparedness and response. This involves investing in early warning systems, improving infrastructure and emergency services, and planning for post-disaster recovery. By taking a (5)_______ approach to disaster management, we can reduce the impacts of climatic disasters and build more resilient communities.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank 2.

Option 1: regeneration

Option 2: response

Option 3: evaluation

Option 4: manifestation

Correct Answer: response


Solution : The second option is the correct choice.

The sentence discusses the need to mitigate the effects of climatic disasters, investing in disaster preparedness, and the specific types of actions required. Response is the most fitting term because it implies taking action to address and manage the impact of climatic disasters effectively.

The meanings of the other options are as follows:

  • Regeneration: the process of renewal, restoration, or growth.
  • Evaluation: the act of assessing or appraising the effectiveness or value of something.
  • Manifestation: the display or demonstration of a particular quality, emotion, or phenomenon.

Therefore, the complete sentence is: "To mitigate the effects of these disasters, it is essential to invest in disaster preparedness and response."

Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Climatic disasters are (1)_______ increasingly common due to the effects of climate change. These disasters include extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts. To mitigate the effects of these disasters, it is essential to invest in disaster preparedness and (2)______ The impact of climatic disasters is not limited to the loss of life and property damage. For example, hurricanes can disrupt the oil and gas industry, leading to higher fuel prices and (3)_______ Floods can damage crops and infrastructure, leading to food shortages and disruptions to transportation systems. Rising temperatures can lead to more frequent heat waves, while changes in precipitation patterns can lead to more (4)_______ droughts and floods. Climatic disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Collaboration among governments, communities, and businesses is crucial for effective disaster preparedness and response. This involves investing in early warning systems, improving infrastructure and emergency services, and planning for post-disaster recovery. By taking a (5)_______ approach to disaster management, we can reduce the impacts of climatic disasters and build more resilient communities.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank 4.

Option 1: fast

Option 2: rare

Option 3: frequent

Option 4: speedy

Correct Answer: frequent


Solution : The third option is the correct choice.

The context of the sentence discusses the consequences of rising temperatures, indicating an increase in the occurrence of droughts and floods. The term "frequent" appropriately conveys the idea of these events happening more often.

The meanings of the other options are as follows:

  • Fast: Quick or rapid.
  • Rare: Uncommon or infrequent.
  • Speedy: Fast or quick.

Therefore, the complete sentence is: "Rising temperatures can lead to more frequent heat waves, while changes in precipitation patterns can lead to more frequent droughts and floods."

Correct Answer: Either longitudinal or transverse


Solution : The correct option is Either longitudinal or transverse.

In solids, sound can travel as both longitudinal waves and transverse waves. Longitudinal sound waves involve oscillations of pressure deviations from the baseline pressure, creating regions of compression, and rarefaction. Meanwhile, transverse waves in solids consist of alternating shear stress occurring perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

Question : Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Climatic disasters are (1)_______ increasingly common due to the effects of climate change. These disasters include extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts. To mitigate the effects of these disasters, it is essential to invest in disaster preparedness and (2)______ The impact of climatic disasters is not limited to the loss of life and property damage. For example, hurricanes can disrupt the oil and gas industry, leading to higher fuel prices and (3)_______ Floods can damage crops and infrastructure, leading to food shortages and disruptions to transportation systems. Rising temperatures can lead to more frequent heat waves, while changes in precipitation patterns can lead to more (4)_______ droughts and floods. Climatic disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Collaboration among governments, communities, and businesses is crucial for effective disaster preparedness and response. This involves investing in early warning systems, improving infrastructure and emergency services, and planning for post-disaster recovery. By taking a (5)_______ approach to disaster management, we can reduce the impacts of climatic disasters and build more resilient communities.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank 5.

Option 1: proactive

Option 2: productive

Option 3: bioactive

Option 4: inactive

Correct Answer: proactive


Solution : The first option is the correct choice.

In the context of disaster management, being "proactive" means taking anticipatory actions to prevent or mitigate the impact of disasters. This term aligns with the ideas of investing in early warning systems, improving infrastructure, and planning for post-disaster recovery mentioned in the passage.

The meanings of the other options are as follows:

  • Productive: Producing good results or outcomes.
  • Bioactive: Having a biological effect or activity.
  • Inactive: Not active or engaged.

Therefore, the complete sentence is: "By taking a proactive approach to disaster management, we can reduce the impacts of climatic disasters and build more resilient communities."

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