9.1 Waves and Their Properties

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space.

Front

What are examples of waves?

Back

Examples include ocean waves, sound waves, seismic waves, and light waves.

Front

How do sound waves travel?

Back

Sound waves travel through matter to reach your ears.

Front

What is a medium in wave context?

Back

A medium is matter through which a wave travels, which can be a solid, liquid, gas, or a combination.

Front

Do all waves need a medium?

Back

No, some waves like light and radio waves can travel through a vacuum.

Front

What are mechanical waves?

Back

Mechanical waves are waves that can travel only through matter, such as sound waves.

Front

What are the two types of mechanical waves?

Back

Mechanical waves can be either transverse waves or longitudinal waves.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

In a transverse wave, particles in the medium move back and forth at right angles to the direction that the wave travels.

Front

How can you create transverse waves?

Back

By shaking one end of a rope while someone holds the other end.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

In a longitudinal wave, matter in the medium moves back and forth along the same direction that the wave travels.