Properties of 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 the two main types of waves?

Back

The two main types of waves are transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

In transverse waves, how do particles of the medium move?

Back

Particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

In longitudinal waves, how do particles of the medium move?

Back

Particles move parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point on a wave from its rest position.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

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 the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is a compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together.

Front

What is a rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

A rarefaction is a region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart.