Properties of Waves

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A type of wave where the medium moves perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel, such as light waves and waves on a string.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A type of wave where the medium moves parallel to the direction of the wave's travel, such as sound waves.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

The distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as from crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

The maximum distance that points on a wave move from their rest position, indicating the energy of the wave.

Front

How do transverse waves carry energy?

Back

Transverse waves carry energy perpendicular to the direction the medium is moving.

Front

What is the relationship between amplitude and intensity in waves?

Back

Higher amplitude waves carry more energy and have greater intensity.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Waves that travel through the Earth, often caused by earthquakes, and can be either transverse or longitudinal.

Front

What is the difference between sound waves and light waves?

Back

Sound waves are longitudinal and require a medium to travel, while light waves are transverse and can travel through a vacuum.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

The highest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement of the medium.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

The lowest point of a wave, representing the minimum displacement of the medium.