Waves Vocabulary

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that a wave's particles move from their resting position. It is a measure of the energy of the wave.

Front

What does it mean if a wave has a high frequency?

Back

A high frequency wave has more cycles per second, which means it transfers more energy compared to a low frequency wave.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave where the energy is transferred perpendicular to the direction of wave motion, such as in light waves.

Front

Define wavelength.

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies, while longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement of the wave from its resting position.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave, representing the minimum displacement of the wave from its resting position.

Front

What is the definition of frequency in waves?

Back

Frequency is the number of complete wave cycles that pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

How does energy transfer in a longitudinal wave?

Back

In a longitudinal wave, energy is transferred parallel to the direction of wave motion, as seen in sound waves.

Front

What is the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave?

Back

In a transverse wave, energy moves perpendicular to the wave direction, while in a longitudinal wave, energy moves parallel to the wave direction.