Waves and Wave Properties

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

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

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 a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the motion of the medium is parallel to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is a compression in a wave?

Back

A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.

Front

What is a rarefaction in a wave?

Back

A rarefaction is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart.

Front

What is the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave?

Back

In a transverse wave, the medium moves perpendicular to the wave direction, while in a longitudinal wave, the medium moves parallel to the wave direction.