waves and wave properties

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

The two main types of waves are mechanical waves (require a medium) and electromagnetic waves (do not require a medium).

Front

Define frequency in the context of waves.

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point in one second, measured 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 or trough to trough.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength?

Back

Wave speed (v) = frequency (f) × wavelength (λ).

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's propagation.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation.

Front

What is compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Compression is the region in a longitudinal wave where particles are packed closely together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Rarefaction is the region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart.