Physical Science - Waves Flashcard

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

The crest is the highest point of a wave.

The trough is the lowest point of a wave.

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

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

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

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

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

They interfere constructively, resulting in a larger wave.

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