P12 Wave Properties Flashcards
1
Q
What is the difference between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves?
A
Mechanical waves cannot travel in a vacuum. Electromagnetic waves can travel in a vacuum.
2
Q
What are mechanical waves?
A
Vibrations that travel through a medium(a substance).
3
Q
What is a transverse wave?
A
A wave which oscillates perpendicular to the direction in which the waves transfer energy.
4
Q
What is a longitudinal wave?
A
A wave that has oscillations parallel to direction in which wave transfers energy.
5
Q
What is the amplitude of a wave?
A
Maximum displacement of a point on wave from undisturbed position.
6
Q
What is the wavelength of a wave?
A
Distance from a point on wave to same point on adjacent wave.
7
Q
What is the frequency of a wave?
A
The number of waves passing a fixed point every second.
