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

The two main types of waves are mechanical waves (which require a medium to travel through) and electromagnetic waves (which can travel through a vacuum).

Front

Define amplitude in the context of waves.

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that points on a wave, such as the crest or trough, move from their rest position.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What does wavelength refer to in waves?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

How do waves transfer energy?

Back

Waves transfer energy through vibrations of particles in the medium.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

In transverse waves, the particle movement is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, while in longitudinal waves, the particle movement is parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Front

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Back

An electromagnetic wave is a type of wave that can travel through a vacuum and does not require a medium.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (or about 300,000 kilometers per second).