Mechanical Waves

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) and transfers energy from one location to another.

Front

What are the two main types of mechanical waves?

Back

The two main types of mechanical waves are transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

Define a transverse wave.

Back

A transverse wave is a type of mechanical wave where the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

Define a longitudinal wave.

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of mechanical wave where the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

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

Front

How is frequency defined in the context of waves?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is a compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together, resulting in higher pressure.

Front

What is a rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

A rarefaction is a region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart, resulting in lower pressure.