Wave Properties

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that travels through space and matter, transferring energy from one place to another.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

The two main types of waves are mechanical waves (which need a medium to travel through) and electromagnetic waves (which can travel through a vacuum).

Front

What is a vacuum?

Back

A vacuum is a space that is completely empty of matter, including air.

Front

Why can't sound be heard in a vacuum?

Back

Sound cannot be heard in a vacuum because there are no particles to carry the sound waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave where the particles move up and down perpendicular to the direction the wave travels.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particles move back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks (or troughs) of a wave.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the height of a wave from its rest position to its peak.

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 wavelength and frequency?

Back

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