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

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 crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

In transverse waves, the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel (e.g., light waves), while in longitudinal waves, the oscillation is parallel to the direction of wave travel (e.g., sound waves).

Front

What is a sound wave?

Back

A sound wave is a type of mechanical wave that travels through a medium (like air) and is produced by vibrating objects.

Front

What is the speed of sound in air?

Back

The speed of sound in air at room temperature is approximately 343 meters per second.

Front

What is a seismic wave?

Back

Seismic waves are waves that travel through the Earth, often as a result of geological activity, such as earthquakes.