Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves Flashcard

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance a wave moves from its rest position.

Front

What is the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

Back

Mechanical waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel, while electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The speed of a wave is the distance traveled by a wave in a given amount of time, calculated as speed = wavelength × frequency.

Front

What are sound waves?

Back

Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium (like air, water, or solids) to travel.

Front

What part of the electromagnetic spectrum has the highest energy?

Back

Gamma rays have the highest energy in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Front

What are radio waves?

Back

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic wave with the longest wavelength and the least energy.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.