Wave Properties

Front

What are mechanical waves?

Back

Mechanical waves are waves that require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to transmit energy.

Front

What is a wavelength?

Back

A 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 is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave that vibrates up and down perpendicular to the direction the energy travels.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave that vibrates back and forth in the same direction as the energy travels.

Front

What is frequency?

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 wavelength?

Back

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases.

Front

What is compression in a wave?

Back

Compression is the area in a longitudinal wave where particles are close together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a wave?

Back

Rarefaction is the area in a longitudinal wave where particles are farther apart.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that particles in a medium move from their rest position when a wave passes through.

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The speed of a wave is the distance a wave travels in a given amount of time, calculated as speed = wavelength x frequency.