Properties of Waves

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is a wave crest?

Back

The highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a wave trough?

Back

The lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

The maximum height of a wave from its rest position, also known as wave height.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The distance a wave travels in a given amount of time, calculated as speed = wavelength × frequency.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

The bending of a wave as it enters a new medium at an angle, causing a change in speed.

Front

What is reflection?

Back

The bouncing back of a wave when it hits a barrier.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

The spreading out of waves when they pass through a narrow opening or around obstacles.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

When two waves meet and combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude.