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

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is the definition of frequency?

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 crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position.

Front

What are crests and troughs?

Back

Crests are the highest points of a transverse wave, while troughs are the lowest points.

Front

What is a compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where particles are packed closely together.

Front

What is a rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

A rarefaction is a region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart.

Front

How does amplitude affect the energy of a wave?

Back

Higher amplitude means more energy; lower amplitude means less energy.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as one increases, the other decreases.