Wave Characteristics

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is any disturbance that transmits energy through space or a medium.

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 compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The region where particles are close together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The region where particles are spread apart.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The highest point on a transverse wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The lowest point on a transverse wave.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

The maximum distance that the particles of a wave's medium move from their rest position.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

The number of waves that pass a given point in a specific amount of time, usually measured in Hertz (Hz).