Wave Interactions

Front

What is a standing wave?

Back

A standing wave is a wave that appears to be stationary, created by the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions.

Front

What are nodes in a standing wave?

Back

Nodes are points of zero amplitude in a standing wave, where destructive interference occurs.

Front

What is destructive interference?

Back

Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet and cancel each other out, resulting in a lower amplitude.

Front

How does the frequency of a string affect its pitch?

Back

A string with a higher frequency vibrates more quickly and produces a higher pitch than a string with a lower frequency.

Front

What type of medium does sound travel fastest through?

Back

Sound travels fastest through solids, such as a wooden desk.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet and combine to produce a wave of greater amplitude.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

In transverse waves, the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, while in longitudinal waves, it is parallel.