Waves Review

Front

What are electromagnetic waves?

Back

Electromagnetic waves are waves that can travel through the vacuum of space and consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. They include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Front

List the electromagnetic waves from highest to lowest frequency.

Back

Gamma - Xray - UV - Visible light - Infrared - Micro - Radio

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel. Examples include light waves and waves on a string.

Front

What is a compressional wave?

Back

A compressional wave, also known as a longitudinal wave, is a wave in which the oscillation is in the same direction as the wave's travel. Sound waves are a common example.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two or more waves combine to produce a wave with a larger amplitude.

Front

What is destructive interference?

Back

Destructive interference occurs when two or more waves combine to produce a wave with a smaller amplitude, or cancel each other out.

Front

What property of electromagnetic waves determines their energy?

Back

The energy of an electromagnetic wave is determined by its frequency; higher frequency waves carry more energy.

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum extent of a wave's oscillation, measured from its rest position. It is related to the energy of the wave.

Front

What is the wavelength of a wave?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between successive crests (or troughs) of a wave. It is inversely related to frequency.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

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