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

The two main types of waves are mechanical waves (require a medium) and electromagnetic waves (do not require a medium).

Front

What is frequency in the context of waves?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

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

Front

How does the speed of a wave relate to its frequency and wavelength?

Back

The speed of a wave is equal to its frequency multiplied by its wavelength (v = f × λ).

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

In transverse waves, the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In longitudinal waves, the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is an example of a mechanical wave?

Back

Sound waves are an example of mechanical waves, as they require a medium (like air, water, or solids) to travel.

Front

What is an example of an electromagnetic wave?

Back

Light waves are an example of electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum.

Front

What happens to light when it passes through a prism?

Back

When light passes through a prism, it is refracted and separated into its component colors (spectrum).