Wave Properties

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is any disturbance that transfers energy from place to place.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave where the particle movement is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave where the particle movement is parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

The distance a wave travels from crest to crest.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

The number of waves that pass a point in one second.

Front

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Back

The maximum distance the particles of the medium move from their rest position.

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The distance a wave travels in a given amount of time.

Front

What is electromagnetic radiation?

Back

A form of energy that travels through space and includes radio waves, microwaves, and x-rays.

Front

What is the light spectrum?

Back

The range of all types of light radiation, including visible light.