Wave Properties

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

The two main types of waves are longitudinal waves and transverse waves.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What is a crest?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What are compressions in a wave?

Back

Compressions are regions in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.

Front

What are rarefactions in a wave?

Back

Rarefactions are regions in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart.