Waves Review

Front

What is a wave?

Back

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

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

Transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, while longitudinal waves have oscillations parallel to the direction of wave travel.

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 consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

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 = frequency x wavelength.

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

Front

What is the primary function of a prism?

Back

To disperse light into its component colors.

Front

How do microwaves heat food?

Back

Microwaves are absorbed by the water inside food, causing friction and heating it from the inside out.