Mechanical Waves

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) and transfers energy from one location to another.

Front

What are the two main types of mechanical waves?

Back

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move 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 amplitude?

Back

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

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for wave speed?

Back

Wave speed (v) = frequency (f) × wavelength (λ).