Wave Interactions

Front

What is a node in a standing wave?

Back

A point of zero amplitude on a standing wave.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

The interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with an amplitude larger than either of the individual waves.

Front

What is resonance?

Back

The increase in the amplitude of a vibration that occurs when external vibrations match an object's natural frequency.

Front

What is an antinode in a standing wave?

Back

The point of maximum amplitude on a standing wave.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

The bending or spreading of waves as they move around a barrier or pass through an opening.

Front

What is a wave?

Back

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

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

When two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves.

Front

What is a standing wave?

Back

A wave that remains in a constant position, formed by the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions.

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?

Back

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