Mechanical Waves

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's propagation.

Front

Define rarefaction in a longitudinal wave.

Back

A part of a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation.

Front

What is the medium in the context of mechanical waves?

Back

The material through which a wave travels.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is frequency in relation to waves?

Back

The number of waves that pass a given point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

The maximum displacement of points on a wave from their rest position.

Front

What is the difference between compression and rarefaction?

Back

Compression is where particles are close together in a longitudinal wave, while rarefaction is where they are spread apart.

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A wave that requires a medium to travel through, such as sound waves.

Front

How do you identify the wave with the greatest wavelength in a diagram?

Back

The wave with the longest distance between consecutive crests or troughs.