Interactions of Waves and Matter

Front

What are electromagnetic waves?

Back

Electromagnetic waves are waves that can travel through a vacuum and do not require a medium. They include visible light, radio waves, X-rays, and more.

Front

Can sound waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, sound waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel.

Front

What happens to the speed of sound in warmer air?

Back

The speed of sound increases as the temperature of the air increases.

Front

What is reflection of waves?

Back

Reflection occurs when a wave bounces off a surface and changes direction.

Front

What is an example of sound wave reflection?

Back

Hearing an echo when sound bounces off a distant wall.

Front

What is absorption of light?

Back

Absorption is the process by which light is taken in by a material, converting it to other forms of energy, such as heat.

Front

How does the moon appear bright at night?

Back

The moon reflects sunlight, which is why we can see it at night.

Front

What is transmission of waves?

Back

Transmission is the process by which waves pass through a medium without being absorbed.

Front

What is the relationship between wave speed and medium density?

Back

In general, sound waves travel faster in denser media, while electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum.

Front

What is the difference between constructive and destructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when waves combine to make a larger wave, while destructive interference occurs when waves combine to make a smaller wave or cancel each other out.