Mechanical Waves Test Review

Front

What is the definition of a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) and transfers energy from one location to another.

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that points on a wave, such as the crest or trough, move from their rest position.

Front

What does wavelength represent in a wave?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as from crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

Frequency is inversely related to wavelength; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is the medium in which mechanical waves travel?

Back

The medium is the substance (solid, liquid, or gas) through which a mechanical wave travels.

Front

What is the difference between a crest and a trough?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave, while a trough is the lowest point.

Front

What is the formula for calculating wave speed?

Back

Wave speed (v) can be calculated using the formula: v = frequency (f) × wavelength (λ).

Front

What is the definition of frequency in waves?

Back

Frequency is the number of complete waves that pass a given point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Front

How does energy transfer in mechanical waves?

Back

Energy is transferred through the vibration of particles in the medium, which move back and forth as the wave passes.

Front

What is the significance of wave properties in real-world applications?

Back

Wave properties, such as amplitude and frequency, are crucial in applications like sound engineering, medical imaging, and communication technologies.