Waves Properties

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a rhythmic disturbance or vibration that transfers energy, not matter.

Front

What is frequency in relation to waves?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point per second.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that the particles of a medium move from their rest position when a wave passes.

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 is the line of rest (resting point) in a wave?

Back

The line of rest is the position of the medium when there is no wave passing through it.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

In transverse waves, the medium's vibration is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. In longitudinal waves, the medium's vibration is parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Front

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Back

Sound waves are an example of longitudinal waves.

Front

What is an example of a transverse wave?

Back

Light waves and waves on a string are examples of transverse waves.

Front

How does energy transfer in waves?

Back

Energy is transferred through the vibration of particles in the medium, but the particles themselves do not travel with the wave.