Properties of 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 main types of waves?

Back

The main types of waves are mechanical waves (like sound waves) and electromagnetic waves (like light waves).

Front

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Back

The amplitude is the maximum distance that points on a wave, such as the crest or trough, move from their rest position.

Front

What is the wavelength of a wave?

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 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.

Front

What is a rarefaction in a wave?

Back

A rarefaction is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart.

Front

What is a compression in a wave?

Back

A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are close together.

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.