Types of Waves Flashcard

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

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave where the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave where the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

The maximum height of a wave from its rest position.

Front

What is a crest?

Back

The highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough?

Back

The lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is a medium in the context of waves?

Back

Any material through which a wave travels, such as air, water, or solid substances.

Front

What type of wave is sound?

Back

Sound is a mechanical wave, specifically a longitudinal wave.