Checkpoint 2, Sound and Light Review
In 2011, the Bureau of Meteorology deployed 15 Doppler radar stations across Australia, each firing 300,000,000 m/s radio pulses to track storms, time to prove you can use wave and sound physics the same way.
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The hook described how the Bureau of Meteorology uses radar (reflected radio waves) and infrasound detectors side-by-side to track storms, and pointed out that understanding both sound and light is what unlocks technology like that.
Looking back across Lessons 6–9, which idea do you now feel most confident applying to a real situation like weather tracking? Is there anything you'd want to revisit before moving on to the motion unit?
1. Sound waves are an example of:
2. Which property of a sound wave determines its loudness?
3. The electromagnetic wave with the longest wavelength is:
4. What is the speed of light in a vacuum?
5. According to the law of reflection:
6. Which part of the ear converts vibrations to electrical signals?
7. Refraction occurs when light:
8. Which of these is NOT part of the electromagnetic spectrum?
9. Pitch is determined by:
10. When light enters water from air, it bends toward the normal because:
Compare and contrast sound waves and light waves. In your answer, describe at least two similarities and two differences, including the type of wave each is and whether they need a medium. (4 marks)
Hint: Consider wave type, medium requirement, speed, and how they are produced.
Explain how optical fibres use the principle of reflection to transmit information. Why is this technology particularly important for a large, sparsely populated country like Australia? (4 marks)
Hint: Consider total internal reflection and Australia's geography.