Types of Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

The two main types of waves are mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a wave that requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through.

Front

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Back

An electromagnetic wave is a wave that can travel through a vacuum and does not require a medium.

Front

What is an example of a mechanical wave?

Back

Sound waves and ocean waves are examples of mechanical waves.

Front

What is an example of an electromagnetic wave?

Back

Light waves, radio waves, and X-rays are examples of electromagnetic waves.

Front

What shape are mechanical waves?

Back

Mechanical waves can be either transverse or longitudinal.

Front

What shape are electromagnetic waves?

Back

Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the energy travels perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the energy travels parallel to the direction of the wave.