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 are the two main types of waves?

Back

Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum height of a wave from its rest position, indicating the energy of the wave.

Front

What does frequency measure in a wave?

Back

Frequency measures how many waves pass a point in one second, expressed in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The speed of a wave is the distance it travels in a certain amount of time, calculated as speed = distance/time.

Front

How does energy relate to waves?

Back

Energy is transferred through waves; higher energy waves have greater amplitude and frequency.

Front

What is the relationship between amplitude and loudness in sound waves?

Back

Higher amplitude in sound waves results in louder sounds.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of travel, while longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of travel.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.