Introduction to Waves

Front

What are the main characteristics used to describe a wave?

Back

Waves can be described by their amplitude, wavelength, frequency, speed, and direction.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

What type of wave has particles that move parallel to the direction of wave propagation?

Back

Longitudinal waves.

Front

What is the term for the material through which a wave travels?

Back

Medium.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What does the frequency of a wave measure?

Back

The frequency of a wave measures how many cycles occur in a given amount of time, usually one second.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency in a wave?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Front

What is the formula for wave speed?

Back

Wave speed = frequency × wavelength.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

What are transverse waves?

Back

Transverse waves are waves in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

Back

Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through, while electromagnetic waves do not and can travel through a vacuum.