Introduction to Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A disturbance that carries energy through matter or space.

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Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

The maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position, related to the energy of the wave.

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Front

What is frequency?

Back

The number of waves that pass a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

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Front

What are the units of frequency?

Back

Hertz (Hz).

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Front

What is the relationship between amplitude and energy in a wave?

Back

The higher the amplitude, the more energy the wave carries.

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Front

What is wavelength?

Back

The distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

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Front

How do you calculate the speed of a wave?

Back

Speed = Wavelength × Frequency.

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Front

If a wave has a wavelength of 4 m and a frequency of 6 Hz, what is its speed?

Back

24 m/s.

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Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave in which the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave in which the motion of the medium is parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

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