Wave Interactions

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points of a wave that are in phase, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is reflection in wave interactions?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of a wave when it hits a barrier or a surface.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another, due to a change in its speed.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the spreading out of waves when they pass through a narrow opening or around obstacles.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves combine to form a wave with a larger amplitude than either of the individual waves.

Front

What is destructive interference?

Back

Destructive interference occurs when two waves combine to form a wave with a smaller amplitude than either of the individual waves.

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves.

Front

What is a standing wave?

Back

A standing wave is a wave that remains in a constant position, formed by the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

In transverse waves, the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, while in longitudinal waves, the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The speed of a wave is the distance traveled by a wave in a given amount of time, calculated as speed = wavelength × frequency.