Mechanical Waves

Front

What is the definition of a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, transferring energy from one point to another.

Front

What is a medium in the context of mechanical waves?

Back

The medium is the matter through which a mechanical wave travels, such as air, water, or solid materials.

Front

What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?

Back

In longitudinal waves, particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave, while in transverse waves, particles move perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What does amplitude refer to in a wave?

Back

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

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is frequency in the context of waves?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

The frequency and wavelength of a wave are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The speed of a wave is the distance traveled by a wave in a given amount of time, calculated as speed = wavelength × frequency.