Wave Basics

Front

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Back

The amplitude of a wave is the maximum distance that the wave moves away from its rest position. It is a measure of the wave's energy.

Front

What are mechanical waves?

Back

Mechanical waves are waves that require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through. They can be either transverse or longitudinal.

Front

How do you measure the wavelength of a sound wave?

Back

Wavelength is measured from compression to compression or from crest to crest in a wave.

Front

What does high amplitude indicate about a sound?

Back

High amplitude indicates louder sounds, while low amplitude indicates quieter sounds.

Front

What do all waves carry as they travel?

Back

All waves carry energy as they travel from one place to another.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave where the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

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

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.