Waves: Common features

What are the two main classifications of waves?

Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.

Fill in the blank: Waves are oscillations that transport energy from one place to another without transferring __________.

matter

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its rest position.

Wavelength

The distance over which the shape of the wave repeats.

Frequency

The number of wave cycles or oscillations that pass a given point in one second.

Wave Speed

The speed at which the wave moves in relation to the medium.

Fill in the blank: Wave speed is calculated using the formula: Speed = __________ x Wavelength.

Frequency

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength.

What effect does amplitude have on sound waves?

It determines the loudness.

What affects the colour of light and the pitch of sound?

Wavelength.

What type of interactions can waves undergo?

Reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference.

Fill in the blank: Higher frequency results in a higher __________ of sound.

pitch.

What is measured in hertz (Hz)?

Frequency.

Fill in the blank: Light waves can be measured in metres (m) or __________ (nm).

nanometres