Properties of Waves

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 frequency?

Back

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

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 through.

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

How does frequency relate to wavelength?

Back

As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, when the speed of the wave is constant.

Front

What is the relationship between energy and amplitude?

Back

Higher amplitude waves carry more energy than lower amplitude waves.

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 a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.