Waves and Their Properties

Front

How is energy measured?

Back

Energy is measured in Joules (J).

Front

What is a wave?

Back

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

Front

What do waves transmit?

Back

Waves transmit energy, not matter.

Front

How are waves categorized?

Back

Waves are categorized as either Mechanical or Electromagnetic.

Front

How are waves described by their direction?

Back

Waves are described by the direction that their disturbance is traveling: transverse or longitudinal.

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a disturbance or vibration that moves through some type of matter and must travel through a medium.

Front

Can mechanical waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, mechanical waves cannot travel through a vacuum such as space.

Front

What are examples of mechanical waves?

Back

Examples include ocean waves (transverse) and sound waves (longitudinal).

Front

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Back

An electromagnetic wave is a disturbance that transfers electromagnetic radiation energy and can travel through a vacuum.

Front

Are electromagnetic waves always transverse?

Back

Yes, electromagnetic waves are always transverse.