Parts of a Wave

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that points on a wave, such as crests and troughs, move from their rest position.

Front

What is a wave crest?

Back

A wave crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a wave trough?

Back

A wave trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

How is wave speed calculated?

Back

Wave speed is calculated by multiplying frequency by wavelength (Speed = Frequency x Wavelength).

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

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

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

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