Waves

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A type of wave where the particle movement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, such as light waves.

Front

What is a compressional wave?

Back

A type of wave where the particle movement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, such as sound waves.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

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

Front

What is a crest?

Back

The highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough?

Back

The lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A wave that requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through, such as sound and water waves.

Front

What is the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

Back

Mechanical waves require a medium to travel, while electromagnetic waves do not and can travel through a vacuum.

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The distance a wave travels per unit of time, calculated as speed = wavelength × frequency.