Mechanical Waves

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) and transfers energy from one location to another.

Front

What are the two main types of mechanical waves?

Back

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

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

Front

What is a surface wave?

Back

A surface wave is a wave that travels along the surface of a medium, combining characteristics of both transverse and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is wavelength (λ)?

Back

Wavelength (λ) is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is frequency (f)?

Back

Frequency (f) is the number of complete waves that pass a given point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Front

What is wave speed (v)?

Back

Wave speed (v) is the distance a wave travels per unit of time, calculated using the formula v = λ x f.

Front

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from their rest position, indicating the energy of the wave.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.