Mechanical Waves

Front

What is 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 without permanently displacing the medium's particles.

Front

What are the two main types of mechanical waves?

Back

The two main types of mechanical waves are transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

Define a transverse wave.

Back

A transverse wave is a type of mechanical wave where the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

Define a longitudinal wave.

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of mechanical wave where the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Compression is the region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together, resulting in higher pressure.

Front

What is rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Rarefaction is the region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart, resulting in lower pressure.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What does a wave transfer?

Back

A wave transfers energy from one point to another without transferring matter.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position in a wave.