Flashcard on Mechanical Waves

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, transferring energy from one location to another without permanently displacing the medium itself.

Front

What are the two main types of mechanical waves?

Back

The two main types of mechanical waves are transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a medium in the context of mechanical waves?

Back

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

Front

Can mechanical waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, mechanical waves cannot travel through a vacuum because there is no medium to carry the wave.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of mechanical wave where the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of mechanical wave where the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What are crests in a wave?

Back

Crests are the highest points of a transverse wave.

Front

What are troughs in a wave?

Back

Troughs are the lowest points of a transverse wave.

Front

What is wavelength in the context of waves?

Back

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

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

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