Mechanical Waves

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) and transfers energy from one point to another.

Front

What is the formula for wave speed?

Back

Wave speed (v) = frequency (f) × wavelength (λ)

Front

How do you calculate frequency?

Back

Frequency (f) = number of waves / time period (in seconds)

Front

What is wavelength?

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 the unit of frequency?

Back

The unit of frequency is Hertz (Hz), which represents cycles per second.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a medium in the context of waves?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

Front

If a wave has a frequency of 10 Hz and a wavelength of 2 m, what is its speed?

Back

Speed = frequency × wavelength = 10 Hz × 2 m = 20 m/s.