Physical Science - Waves Flashcard

Front

What is a wave?

Back

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

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for calculating frequency?

Back

Frequency (f) = Number of waves / Time (in seconds).

Front

What is a compression in a wave?

Back

A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a wave?

Back

Rarefaction is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are furthest apart.

Front

What happens when two crests from different waves meet?

Back

They interfere constructively, resulting in a larger wave.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

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