Properties of Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or matter.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave in which the medium moves perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave in which the medium moves parallel to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is frequency?

Back

The number of waves that pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

The maximum distance that the medium moves from its rest position in a wave.

Front

How does energy travel in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Energy travels parallel to the direction of the wave.

Front

How does energy travel in a transverse wave?

Back

Energy travels perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

As wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.