Wave Properties

Front

What is a compressional wave?

Back

A type of wave where particles of the medium move back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels.

Front

What is compression in a wave?

Back

The area in a compressional wave where particles are close together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a wave?

Back

The area in a compressional wave where particles are farther apart.

Front

Do mechanical waves require a medium to travel?

Back

Yes, mechanical waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to transmit energy.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A type of wave where particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction the wave travels.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

Can mechanical waves be both transverse and longitudinal?

Back

Yes, mechanical waves can be both transverse and longitudinal.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The highest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The lowest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is wave amplitude?

Back

The maximum distance that the particles of a medium move from their rest position.