Waves review

Front

What is a compressional wave?

Back

A compressional wave, also known as a longitudinal wave, is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel. An example is a sound wave.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or the spreading of waves when they pass through small openings. An example is the way sound waves spread out after passing through a doorway.

Front

What is a lens?

Back

A lens is a transparent optical device that refracts light to converge or diverge beams. Lenses are used in glasses, cameras, and microscopes.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel. An example is a wave on a string.

Front

What does frequency mean in waves?

Back

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz). Higher frequency means more waves in a given time.

Front

What is the difference between compressional and transverse waves?

Back

Compressional waves have particle motion parallel to wave direction, while transverse waves have particle motion perpendicular to wave direction.

Front

What is an example of a compressional wave?

Back

Sound waves are a common example of compressional waves.

Front

What is an example of a transverse wave?

Back

Light waves and waves on a string are examples of transverse waves.

Front

What happens to waves when they encounter an obstacle?

Back

Waves can reflect, refract, or diffract when they encounter an obstacle.

Front

What is wave amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that the particles of a wave move from their rest position. It is related to the energy of the wave.