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 is the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

Back

Mechanical waves require a medium (like air or water) to travel through, while electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.

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 the points of a wave move from their rest position.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave.

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 happens to light when it enters a different medium?

Back

Light changes speed and direction, a phenomenon known as refraction.

Front

What is an example of a mechanical wave?

Back

Sound is an example of a mechanical wave.