Waves Basics

Front

What is the definition of a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum height of a wave from its rest position, indicating the energy of the wave.

Front

What does the wavelength of a wave represent?

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 difference between a mechanical wave and an electromagnetic wave?

Back

A mechanical wave requires a medium (like air, water, or solid) to travel through, while an electromagnetic wave can travel through a vacuum.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is the relationship between amplitude and energy in a wave?

Back

Higher amplitude means more energy; thus, a wave with greater amplitude carries more energy.

Front

Can sound waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum because they require a medium to propagate.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a wave.