Unit 3: 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

Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.

Front

How does temperature affect the speed of sound?

Back

Sound travels faster in warmer materials because the particles are moving more quickly.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and openings.

Front

What is amplitude in relation to waves?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position, related to the loudness of sound.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as one increases, the other decreases.

Front

What determines the pitch of a sound?

Back

The pitch of a sound is determined by its frequency; higher frequencies produce higher pitches.

Front

What is the speed of sound in air at room temperature?

Back

Approximately 343 meters per second (m/s) at 20°C (68°F).