Wave Properties

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is any disturbance that transfers energy from place to place.

Front

Can sound waves travel through empty space?

Back

No, sound waves cannot travel through empty space.

Front

What type of wave requires a medium to travel?

Back

Mechanical waves require a medium to travel.

Front

In which direction do longitudinal waves travel compared to the vibrations?

Back

Longitudinal waves travel in the SAME DIRECTION as the vibrations.

Front

What is a medium in the context of waves?

Back

A medium is a material or matter in which a wave travels through.

Front

What are mechanical waves?

Back

Mechanical waves are waves that require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel.

Front

What are electromagnetic waves?

Back

Electromagnetic waves are waves that can travel through a vacuum and do not require a medium.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

In transverse waves, the vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel; in longitudinal waves, they are parallel.

Front

Give an example of a mechanical wave.

Back

Sound waves are an example of mechanical waves.

Front

What happens to the energy of a wave as it travels through a medium?

Back

The energy of a wave is transferred through the medium, causing particles to vibrate.