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 transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of the wave's energy transfer.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the oscillations are parallel to the direction of the wave's energy transfer.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that points on a wave, such as the crest or trough, move from their rest position.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

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 reflection in terms of waves?

Back

Reflection is when a wave bounces back after hitting a barrier.