Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or matter, typically characterized by oscillations or vibrations.

Front

What are mechanical waves?

Back

Mechanical waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through, such as sound waves and ocean waves.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel (e.g., light waves), while longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of wave travel (e.g., sound waves).

Front

What is frequency in the context of waves?

Back

Frequency is the number of complete wave cycles that pass a point in a given time period, usually measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from their 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, 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 a medium in the context of waves?

Back

A medium is the substance through which a wave travels, such as air for sound waves or water for ocean waves.