Wave Properties and Interactions

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a wave that requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through.

Front

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Back

An electromagnetic wave is a wave that can travel through a vacuum and does not require a medium, such as light.

Front

Why can we see an explosion in space but not hear it?

Back

Because sound is a mechanical wave that needs a medium to travel through, while light is an electromagnetic wave that can travel through a vacuum.

Front

What is the speed of a wave?

Back

The speed of a wave is calculated by the formula: Speed = Frequency x Wavelength.

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 points in phase on a wave, such as from crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What happens to sound in a vacuum?

Back

Sound cannot travel in a vacuum because it is a mechanical wave that requires a medium.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, when the speed of the wave is constant.