Properties of Waves

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light or waves as they pass from one medium to another, caused by a change in speed.

Front

What is a wave crest?

Back

A wave crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a wave trough?

Back

A wave trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

Transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, while longitudinal waves have oscillations parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Front

What is reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of waves when they hit a barrier or surface.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet and combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.

Front

What is the wavelength of a wave?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that points on a wave, such as crests and troughs, move from their rest position.

Front

What is the frequency of a wave?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).