Waves in Action

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 empty space and does not require a medium.

Front

What is the medium in which sound travels fastest?

Back

Sound travels fastest in solids.

Front

What is the medium in which sound travels slowest?

Back

Sound travels slowest in gases.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the distance from the middle point of a wave to a crest or a trough.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is compression in a wave?

Back

Compression is the part of a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.