Physical Science - Waves Flashcard

Front

What is a Standing Wave?

Back

A standing wave is a wave that has a constant amplitude and an orderly pattern of interference, often created by the reflection of waves.

Front

What does the letter A represent in a wave diagram?

Back

The letter A typically represents the wavelength, which is the distance between successive crests or troughs of a wave.

Front

What type of wave is characterized by oscillations perpendicular to the direction of wave travel?

Back

A Transverse Wave is characterized by oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Front

What is Amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

Amplitude is the height of a wave, measured from the mid-line to either the crest or the trough.

Front

What factor determines the energy of a wave if Amplitude is held constant?

Back

Frequency determines the energy of a wave when Amplitude is constant; higher frequency means higher energy.

Front

Define Wavelength.

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two successive points that are in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is Frequency in relation to waves?

Back

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

Front

Explain the concept of Wave Speed.

Back

Wave speed is the speed at which a wave travels through a medium, calculated as the product of frequency and wavelength.

Front

What is a Compression Wave?

Back

A Compression Wave, also known as a longitudinal wave, is a wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is the difference between a Crest and a Trough?

Back

A Crest is the highest point of a wave, while a Trough is the lowest point.