Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or a medium without transferring matter.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

The two 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 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, such as sound 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, such as light waves.

Front

What is compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Compression is the part of a longitudinal wave where the particles are close together, resulting in increased density and pressure.

Front

What is rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Rarefaction is the part of a longitudinal wave that is more spread out, resulting in a decrease in density and pressure.

Front

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that the particles of a medium move from their rest position when a wave passes through.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a wave.

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 compression to compression.