Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves Flashcard

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a wave that requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through.

Front

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Back

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

Front

What is the definition of frequency?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time, usually measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

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

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

How does wavelength relate to energy in waves?

Back

A wave with a shorter wavelength has more energy than one with a longer wavelength.

Front

What are ultraviolet rays?

Back

Ultraviolet rays are electromagnetic waves with shorter wavelengths than visible light and can cause sunburn.

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.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases.

Front

What is the medium in the context of sound waves?

Back

The medium is the substance through which sound waves travel, such as air, water, or solids.