Waves

Front

What are waves?

Back

Waves are disturbances that transfer energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What is the speed of electromagnetic waves?

Back

The speed of all electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (the speed of light).

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

The two main types of waves are mechanical waves (which require a medium to travel through) and electromagnetic waves (which do not require a medium).

Front

What is a P wave?

Back

A P wave, or primary wave, is a type of seismic wave that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

Front

What is an S wave?

Back

An S wave, or secondary wave, is a type of seismic wave that can only travel through solids.

Front

What is the difference between sound waves and light waves?

Back

Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel, while light waves are electromagnetic waves that can travel through a vacuum.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs of 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 wavelength and frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is energy transfer in waves?

Back

Waves transfer energy through the vibration of particles in the medium (for mechanical waves) or through electromagnetic fields (for electromagnetic waves).