Types and Properties of Waves

Front

Wave

Back

A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another.

Front

Longitudinal

Back

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

Front

Transverse

Back

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

Front

Mechanical

Back

Waves that require a medium to travel through, such as sound waves.

Front

Electromagnetic

Back

Waves that do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum, such as light waves.

Front

Standing

Back

A wave that remains in a constant position, characterized by nodes and antinodes.

Front

Crest

Back

The highest point of a wave.

Front

Trough

Back

The lowest point of a wave.

Front

Amplitude

Back

The maximum displacement of points on a wave, related to the wave's energy.

Front

Wavelength

Back

The distance between successive crests or troughs of a wave.