Waves Review

Front

What is the definition of a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What is frequency in the context of waves?

Back

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

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two corresponding points on consecutive waves, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is amplitude?

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 longitudinal and transverse waves?

Back

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

Front

What is a medium in the context of waves?

Back

A medium is any substance through which a wave travels, such as air, water, or solid materials.

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The speed of a wave is the distance traveled by a wave in a given amount of time, calculated as speed = wavelength × frequency.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement above the rest position.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement below the rest position.

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

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