Questions and Answers
What are disturbances in electric and magnetic fields called?
What is a wave that is an oscillation of matter called?
What is the term for a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another?
Wave
What type of wave vibrates in the direction of its propagation?
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What is the term for a wave vibrating at right angles to the direction of its propagation?
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What do you call the material through which a wave travels?
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What is the highest point on a wave called?
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What is the lowest point on a wave called?
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What measures the amount of energy a wave carries?
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What is the distance from one crest to the next crest called?
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What is a measure of the number of waves that pass a point in a given amount of time?
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The four parts of a wave are __________.
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Waves can be categorized into which two types?
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Mechanical waves require __________ to travel.
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Mechanical waves can either be __________ or __________.
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In which type of wave do particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave?
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In which type of wave do particles vibrate parallel to the wave's direction?
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Waves carry energy through __________.
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What is compression in wave mechanics?
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What is rarefaction in wave physics?
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What type of wave requires a medium through which to propagate?
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What defines electromagnetic waves?
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What does amplitude refer to in wave mechanics?
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What does frequency measure in the context of waves?
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What is hertz a unit of?
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What are wave fronts?
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What does wave speed refer to?
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Study Notes
Wave Concepts
- Electromagnetic waves are disturbances in electric and magnetic fields, capable of traveling through a vacuum.
- Mechanical waves oscillate matter and require a medium to transfer energy.
- Waves are disturbances that enable the transfer of energy from one location to another.
Wave Types
- Longitudinal waves vibrate in the direction of propagation, with particles moving back and forth parallel to wave travel.
- Transverse waves have a perpendicular vibration pattern, with particles of the medium moving at right angles to wave propagation.
- Mechanical waves can exist as either transverse or longitudinal waves and always require a medium.
Wave Characteristics
- The crest of a wave represents its highest point, while the trough indicates the lowest point.
- Amplitude measures the energy carried by a wave, defined as the maximum distance particles move from their rest position.
- Wavelength is the distance between consecutive crests or troughs of a wave.
Frequency and Measurements
- Frequency refers to the number of waves that pass a specific point in a given timeframe.
- Hertz (Hz) is the unit of measurement for frequency, defined as one cycle per second.
Wave Behavior
- Compression occurs when forces act to squeeze an object, impacting wave characteristics.
- Rarefaction refers to the bending of a wave as it transitions between different substances, affecting wave speed.
- Wave fronts represent a line of points reached simultaneously by the wave.
Wave Speed
- Wave speed is determined by how fast a wave travels through a medium, varying based on the medium's properties.
Summary of Key Components
- Key components of waves include crest, trough, amplitude, and wavelength.
- Waves can carry energy through matter and space, relevant for various applications in physics and technology.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key terms related to waves with these flashcards. This quiz covers various types of waves, including electromagnetic and mechanical waves, and their definitions. Perfect for students learning about wave phenomena!