Nature of Waves

Front

Definition: Crest

Back

The highest point of a transverse wave.

Front

Definition: Trough

Back

The lowest point of a transverse wave.

Front

Definition: Amplitude

Back

The maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position.

Front

Definition: Wavelength

Back

The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

Definition: Frequency

Back

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

Front

Definition: Wave Speed

Back

The speed at which a wave travels through a medium, calculated as speed = frequency × wavelength.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, for a given wave speed.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave in which the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave in which the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

Example of a transverse wave

Back

Light waves and waves on a string.