Wifi Waves
1. Problem: Understand properties of Wi-Fi signals and related wave concepts.
2. (a)(i) Similarity of Wi-Fi signals at 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz:
They are both electromagnetic waves and travel at the speed of light.
3. (a)(ii) Difference due to frequency:
They have different wavelengths because wavelength depends inversely on frequency.
4. (b)(i) Formula linking speed ($v$), frequency ($f$), and wavelength ($\lambda$):
$$v = f \times \lambda$$
5. (b)(ii) Calculate wavelength for frequency $5.2 \times 10^{9}$ Hz:
Using $$\lambda = \frac{v}{f} = \frac{3.0 \times 10^{8}}{5.2 \times 10^{9}} = 0.05769\, \text{m} \approx 0.058\, \text{m}$$
6. (c)(i) Type of wave is a Wi-Fi signal:
Wi-Fi signals are electromagnetic waves, which are transverse waves. So, answer is D transverse.
7. (c)(ii) Difference between transverse and longitudinal waves:
Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
Example diagrams:
- Transverse: wave moves horizontally, oscillations vertically.
- Longitudinal: compression and rarefaction along direction of travel.
Final answers:
(a)(i) Both are electromagnetic waves.
(a)(ii) Different wavelengths.
(b)(i) $v = f \times \lambda$
(b)(ii) $0.058$ m
(c)(i) D transverse
(c)(ii) Explained above.