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 requires a medium to propagate.

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

Define a transverse wave.

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave in which the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

Define a longitudinal wave.

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave in which the motion of the medium is parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

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

Front

What is a node in a standing wave?

Back

A node is a point along a standing wave where the wave has minimal or zero amplitude.

Front

What is an antinode in a standing wave?

Back

An antinode is a point along a standing wave where the wave has maximum amplitude.

Front

What is wave reflection?

Back

Wave reflection occurs when a wave bounces back after hitting a barrier.

Front

What is wave refraction?

Back

Wave refraction is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

Front

What is wave diffraction?

Back

Wave diffraction is the spreading of waves when they pass through an opening or around obstacles.