Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or matter, typically characterized by its amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and speed.

Front

What are the main types of waves?

Back

The main types of waves are mechanical waves (which require a medium, like sound waves) and electromagnetic waves (which do not require a medium, like light waves).

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position, which determines the wave's height.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is frequency?

Back

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

Front

How is wave speed calculated?

Back

Wave speed is calculated using the formula: speed = frequency × wavelength.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement above the rest position.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement below the rest position.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is the principle of superposition in wave theory?

Back

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave displacement is the sum of the individual wave displacements.