Waves Review

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or matter, typically characterized by its wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.

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 the particles of the medium move?

Back

In transverse waves, the particles of the medium move at right angles to the direction in which the wave is traveling.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

In longitudinal waves, the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

Define amplitude in the context of waves.

Back

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

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 principle of superposition?

Back

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave displacement is the sum of the individual displacements.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves combine to produce a wave with a larger amplitude than either of the individual waves.

Front

What is destructive interference?

Back

Destructive interference occurs when two waves combine to produce a wave with a smaller amplitude, or cancel each other out.