Waves Flashcard Study Set

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 (require a medium, e.g., sound waves) and electromagnetic waves (do not require a medium, e.g., light waves).

Front

What is the medium in a wave?

Back

The medium is the substance through which a wave travels, such as air, water, or solid materials.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position, indicating the wave's energy.

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 the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

They are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases.

Front

What is the period of a wave?

Back

The period is the time it takes for one complete wave to pass a given point, the inverse of frequency.

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.