Intro to Waves

Front

What type of wave must have a medium to vibrate?

Back

Mechanical waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate.

Front

What type of wave is characterized by particle displacement being parallel to the direction of wave propagation?

Back

Longitudinal waves are characterized by particle displacement being parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

True or False: Waves do not carry matter.

Back

True. Waves transfer energy, not matter.

Front

What do we call a material through which waves can travel?

Back

Medium. A medium can be a solid, liquid, or gas.

Front

What do we call the vibrations that transfer or move energy from place to place?

Back

Waves. Waves are disturbances that transfer energy.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

In transverse waves, particle displacement is perpendicular to wave direction; in longitudinal waves, it is parallel.

Front

What is an example of a mechanical wave?

Back

Sound waves are an example of mechanical waves.

Front

What is an example of an electromagnetic wave?

Back

Light waves are an example of electromagnetic waves.

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest.