Wave and Energy Concepts

Front

A disturbance that transfers energy through a medium or space.

Back

What is a wave?

Front

The ability to do work.

Back

Define energy.

Front

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Back

What is matter?

Front

A wave that requires a medium (like air, water, or solids) to transfer energy. Sound waves are an example.

Back

What is a mechanical wave?

Front

A wave that can transfer energy through a vacuum (empty space) and does not require a medium. Light and radio waves are examples.

Back

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Front

A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's motion. Examples include light waves and waves on a string.

Back

Define transverse wave.

Front

Define longitudinal wave.

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave's motion. Sound waves are an example.

Front

The highest point of a transverse wave.

Back

What is a crest?

Front

The lowest point of a transverse wave.

Back

What is a trough?

Front

The distance between two consecutive identical points on a wave, such as from crest to crest or trough to trough.

Back

Define wavelength.