Transverse waves and the electromagnetic spectrum flashcard 2025

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.

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, which includes visible light, radio waves, X-rays, and more.

Front

Which color of visible light has the highest energy?

Back

Violet has the highest energy among visible light colors.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in waves?

Back

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

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position, indicating the wave's energy.

Front

How do particles move in a transverse wave?

Back

Particles move up and down (perpendicular) to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What happens to the energy of a wave as its frequency increases?

Back

As the frequency of a wave increases, its energy also increases.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s).

Front

What type of wave is sound?

Back

Sound is a longitudinal wave, where particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is the difference between radio waves and gamma rays?

Back

Radio waves have long wavelengths and low frequencies, while gamma rays have short wavelengths and high frequencies.