Mechanical Waves (17.1)

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.

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 particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

Define a longitudinal wave.

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of mechanical wave where the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position, indicating the wave's energy.

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 is wavelength?

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 are compressions in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Compressions are regions in a longitudinal wave where particles are close together.

Front

What are rarefactions in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Rarefactions are regions in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart.