Waves: Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave where the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Examples include light waves and waves on a string.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Sound waves in air are a common example.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

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 the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

As the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases, and vice versa. This is described by the equation: speed = wavelength × frequency.

Front

What is the visible spectrum?

Back

The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen by the human eye, ranging from approximately 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red).

Front

What are the colors of the visible spectrum in order of decreasing frequency?

Back

Violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, red.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s).

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a wave and a particle?

Back

Waves are disturbances that transfer energy through a medium or space, while particles are small localized objects with mass.