Wave Properties

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

Transverse waves and longitudinal (compressional) waves.

Front

How do longitudinal waves move?

Back

Longitudinal waves vibrate back and forth parallel to the direction of energy travel.

Front

How do transverse waves move?

Back

Transverse waves vibrate up and down perpendicular to the direction of energy travel.

Front

What is a medium in the context of waves?

Back

A medium is a material through which a wave travels, which can be solid, liquid, or gas.

Front

What happens to the energy of a wave as its wavelength increases?

Back

Longer wavelengths correspond to lower energy.

Front

What is frequency in relation to waves?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and energy?

Back

Higher frequency waves carry more energy than lower frequency waves.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance a wave moves from its rest position, related to the energy of the wave.