Mechanical Waves

Front

What are mechanical waves?

Back

Mechanical waves are disturbances that travel through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) due to the vibration of particles in that medium.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of mechanical wave where the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave's motion.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of mechanical wave where the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's motion.

Front

What is the definition of amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position in a wave.

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 trough to trough.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a transverse wave.

Front

How do particles move in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Particles in a longitudinal wave move back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels.

Front

How do particles move in a transverse wave?

Back

Particles in a transverse wave move up and down or side to side, perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength?

Back

Wave speed (v) is equal to frequency (f) multiplied by wavelength (λ): v = f × λ.