Labeling Waves Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are disturbances in electric and magnetic fields called?

Longitudinal Waves

Mechanical Waves

Electromagnetic Waves (correct)

Transverse Waves

What is a wave that is an oscillation of matter called?

Transverse Wave

Frequency

Electromagnetic Wave

Mechanical Wave (correct)

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?

Longitudinal Wave Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a wave vibrating at right angles to the direction of its propagation?

Transverse Wave Signup and view all the answers

What do you call the material through which a wave travels?

Medium Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest point on a wave called?

Crest Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest point on a wave called?

Trough Signup and view all the answers

What measures the amount of energy a wave carries?

Amplitude Signup and view all the answers

What is the distance from one crest to the next crest called?

Wavelength Signup and view all the answers

What is a measure of the number of waves that pass a point in a given amount of time?

Frequency Signup and view all the answers

The four parts of a wave are __________.

crest, troughs, amplitude, wavelength Signup and view all the answers

Waves can be categorized into which two types?

Mechanical and Electro Magnetic Signup and view all the answers

Mechanical waves require __________ to travel.

a medium Signup and view all the answers

Mechanical waves can either be or .

Transverse waves or Longitudinal waves Signup and view all the answers

In which type of wave do particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave?

Transverse Waves Signup and view all the answers

In which type of wave do particles vibrate parallel to the wave's direction?

Longitudinal Waves Signup and view all the answers

Waves carry energy through __________.

matter and space Signup and view all the answers

What is compression in wave mechanics?

Stress that occurs when forces act to squeeze an object Signup and view all the answers

What is rarefaction in wave physics?

The bending of a wave as it passes between two substances with different wave speeds Signup and view all the answers

What type of wave requires a medium through which to propagate?

Mechanical Waves Signup and view all the answers

What defines electromagnetic waves?

A wave that consists of electric and magnetic fields that vibrate at right angles Signup and view all the answers

What does amplitude refer to in wave mechanics?

The maximum distance that the particles of a wave's medium vibrate from their position Signup and view all the answers

What does frequency measure in the context of waves?

The number of waves produced in a given amount of time Signup and view all the answers

What is hertz a unit of?

Frequency equal to one cycle per second Signup and view all the answers

What are wave fronts?

The collection of points that are reached at the same time by a wave Signup and view all the answers

What does wave speed refer to?

The speed at which a wave travels through a medium Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

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!