Characteristics and Behavior of Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

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

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.

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 move from their rest position.

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The speed of a wave is the distance traveled by a wave in a given amount of time, calculated as speed = wavelength × frequency.

Front

What is reflection in terms of waves?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of a wave when it hits a barrier.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

Front

What is the Law of Reflection?

Back

The Law of Reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave.