Properties of Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A wave that requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through.

Front

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Back

A wave that does not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum, such as light waves.

Front

What is reflection in terms of wave interaction?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of a wave when it hits a barrier.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the spreading out of waves when they pass through a narrow opening or around obstacles.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

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