Waves

Front

What is the definition of amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that a point on a wave moves from its rest position. It is a measure of the energy of the wave.

Front

What does wavelength represent in a wave?

Back

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

Front

What is a medium in the context of wave propagation?

Back

A medium is a substance through which a wave can travel. It can be a solid, liquid, or gas.

Front

What is compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Compression is the region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together, representing the highest density.

Front

What are rarefactions in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Rarefactions are the regions in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart, representing the lowest density.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

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

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, while in longitudinal waves, the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement of the wave from its rest position.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a wave, representing the minimum displacement of the wave from its rest position.

Front

How does the amplitude of a wave affect its energy?

Back

The greater the amplitude of a wave, the more energy it carries. Higher amplitude means more significant displacement from the rest position.