waves

Question 1

Waves

Answer 1

Waves are oscillations (vibrations) that cause the transfer of energy. (only energy, not particles/matter).

Has 2 types Electromagnetic and mechanical

Question 2

Electromagnetic waves

Answer 2

Oscillations that do not require a medium

Question 3

Mechanical waves

Answer 3

Oscillations that require a medium (matter). oscillations involve movement of particles within the medium (therefore, these waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gasses, but not through a vacuum).

The waves are cause by moving objects such as a rope or slinky

e.g. sound waves, seismic waves, water waves

Question 4

Wave cycle

Question 5

Frequency

Answer 5

the number of waves cycles per second. measured in Hertz (Hz)

Question 6

Transverse waves

Answer 6

Oscillations are in line of the direction of the wave. that is, if the wave is moving in a forward direction, then the oscillations occur in an up and down direction.

e.g. sound waves, seismic waves (p)

Question 7

Longitudinal waves

Answer 7

Oscillations are in line to the direction of the wave. that is, if the wave is moving in a forward direction, then the oscillations occur in a back-and-forth direction.

e.g. all electromagnetic waves, seismic waves (S), waves caused by moving a rope up and down

(Check pics)

Question 8

Wave motion

Answer 8

Waves involve different types of oscillations, but the 2 main types are transverse and longitudinal waves

Question 9

Surface waves

Answer 9

Oscillations are circular (make circle types). these can be considered a hybrid between transverse and longitudinal waves.

Can occur at the interface (boundary/separating line) of 2 different mediums,

e.g. waves in water (don’t mix up with transverse), seismic surface waves

(Check pics)

Question 10

Seismic waves

Question 11

Amplitude

Answer 11

The distance between the central starting position and the maximum point of oscillation (peak or trough).

Question 12

Wavelength

Answer 12

The distance a wave travels during one cycle

Question 13

Graphing wave motion

Answer 13

Amplitude is shown as the distance from the x-axis to a peak (or trough).
Wavelength is shown as the distance between two peaks (or troughs).
Frequency and velocity are not shown.

Question 14

peak

Answer 14

Oscillation from a central starting position to a maximum in one direction (highest point)

Question 15

trough

Question 16

displacement

Question 17

wave graph