Waves Basics

What is the main characteristic of waves?

• They transfer energy and matter

• They transfer energy but not matter

• They transfer matter but not energy

• They do not transfer energy or matter

What is the maximum displacement of a wave called?

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

• Crest

• Trough

Label the parts of a traverse wave.

a

b

c

d

Wavelength

Amplitude

Crest

Trough

What is the time period of a wave?

• The time it takes for one complete oscillation

• The time it takes for energy transfer

• The time it takes for matter transfer

• The time it takes for amplitude

How can frequency be calculated?

• Frequency = wavelength / time period

• Frequency = time period / wavelength

• Frequency = amplitude * wavelength

• Frequency = amplitude / time period

The unit of frequency is (a)   .

• Meters per second
• Hertz
• Seconds
• Meters

How can wave speed be calculated?

• Wave speed = wavelength * frequency

• Wave speed = amplitude * frequency

• Wave speed = wavelength / frequency

• Wave speed = amplitude / wavelength

In (a)   waves, the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

• Transverse waves
• Longitudinal waves
• Both transverse and longitudinal wa
• Neither transverse nor longitudinal

Which type of wave has oscillations parallel to the direction of energy transfer?

• Transverse waves

• Longitudinal waves

• Both transverse and longitudinal waves

• Neither transverse nor longitudinal waves

(a)   is an example of a longitudinal wave.

• Light waves
• Ripples in water
• Sound waves
• Waves on a guitar