Unit 5 Wave Vocab Flashcard

Front

What is the formula to calculate the wavelength of a wave?

Back

Wavelength (λ) = Speed (v) / Frequency (f)

Front

What is the speed of sound in air at room temperature?

Back

Approximately 340 m/s

Front

If a wave has a frequency of 10 Hz and travels at 340 m/s, what is its wavelength?

Back

34 m

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 are transverse waves?

Back

Waves where the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, e.g., light waves.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, when speed is constant.

Front

What is the definition of frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

The lowest point of a wave, opposite of the crest.

Front

What is the definition of wave speed?

Back

Wave speed is the distance traveled by a wave in a given amount of time, calculated as Speed = Wavelength × Frequency.

Front

What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?

Back

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