Waves 1

Question 1

What is a progressive wave?

Answer 1

A wave is a physical phenomenon that transfers energy through a medium, without transferring matter. Waves travel/transfer energy through oscillations in a medium. Either particles of a medium oscillate (mechanical waves), or electrostatic and magnetic fields in a medium vibrate (EM waves).

Question 2

What are the only two types of waves in Physics?

Answer 2

Mechanical and EM

Question 3

What are the two modes of vibration for waves?

Answer 3

Transverse and Longitudinal

Question 4

What are transverse waves?

Answer 4

Wave in which the direction of oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel (direction of energy transfer). Examples: waves on surface of water and EM waves.

Question 5

What are longitudinal waves?

Answer 5

Wave in which direction of oscillation is parallel to the direction of wave travel (direction of energy transfer). Example: sound wave.

Question 6

What is the displacement (m)?