Wave Properties and Behavior

Front

What is a wave?

Back

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

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave that moves at right angles to the direction of the wave's travel, characterized by crests and troughs.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel, characterized by compressions and rarefactions.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

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

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

The maximum distance that the particles of a wave's medium move from their rest position.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

When two waves meet and combine to form a wave with a larger amplitude.

Front

What is destructive interference?

Back

When two waves meet and combine to form a wave with a smaller amplitude or cancel each other out.

Front

What is reflection in wave behavior?

Back

The bouncing back of a wave when it hits a barrier.