Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or matter, typically characterized by oscillations or vibrations.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

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

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

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

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

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

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

The relationship is given by the equation: speed = frequency × wavelength. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

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

Front

What is a medium in the context of waves?

Back

A medium is the substance through which a wave travels, such as air, water, or solid materials.

Front

Why can't sound travel in outer space?

Back

Sound cannot travel in outer space because there is no medium (like air or water) for the sound waves to propagate through.