Wave Properties

Front

What is a medium in the context of waves?

Back

A medium is a material through which waves can travel. It can be a solid, liquid, or gas.

Front

What are the two main types of mechanical waves?

Back

Transverse waves and compressional (longitudinal) waves.

Front

What is compression in a compressional wave?

Back

Compression is the area where particles are close together in a compressional wave.

Front

What is rarefaction in a compressional wave?

Back

Rarefaction is the area where particles are spread apart in a compressional wave.

Front

What is a wavelength?

Back

A wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What are the high points and low points in a transverse wave called?

Back

The high points are called crests and the low points are called troughs.

Front

Can mechanical waves be both transverse and compressional?

Back

Yes, mechanical waves can be both transverse and compressional.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in waves?

Back

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

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

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The speed of a wave is the distance it travels per unit of time, often calculated as speed = wavelength × frequency.