Waves

Front

What is the definition of 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 compressional (or longitudinal) waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a compressional wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is the medium in the context of waves?

Back

The medium is the substance through which a wave travels, which can be a solid, liquid, or gas.

Front

What is the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque materials?

Back

Transparent materials allow light to pass through completely, translucent materials allow some light to pass through but scatter it, and opaque materials do not allow light to pass through.

Front

Can sound waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, sound waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel and cannot travel through a vacuum.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

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