Characteristics of Waves Review

Front

What type of wave is characterized by particles of the medium moving back and forth in the same direction as the wave?

Back

Longitudinal wave.

Front

What is the term for the number of complete waves that pass a point in a certain amount of time?

Back

Frequency.

Front

What causes mechanical waves to be created in a medium?

Back

A source of energy causes the medium to vibrate.

Front

What does the amplitude of a wave represent?

Back

The maximum distance the particles of the medium move from their rest position.

Front

What is the term for the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave?

Back

Wavelength.

Front

How does a wave's frequency relate to its wavelength and speed?

Back

Speed = Frequency x Wavelength.

Front

What type of wave travels through a vacuum and does not require a medium?

Back

Electromagnetic wave.

Front

What is the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave?

Back

In a transverse wave, particles move perpendicular to the direction of the wave, while in a longitudinal wave, particles move parallel to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is a surface wave?

Back

A wave that travels along the surface of a medium, combining characteristics of both transverse and longitudinal waves.

Front

What happens to the amplitude of a wave if the energy supplied to it increases?

Back

The amplitude increases.