Science Exam

SC1: Wave Motion as Energy Transfer: Wave motion is a transfer of energy without a net transfer of matter

Waves move energy from one location to another, while the medium itself only vibrates in place.

How Energy is Transferred in Waves: Mechanical waves pass energy along when vibrating particles collide with adjacent particles:

In electromagnetic waves, energy propagates via transverse electric and magnetic oscillations without requiring particle collisions.

SC3: Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves: Waves are categorized into transverse and longitudinal types

In transverse waves, particle motion occurs at right angles (perpendicular) to wave travel; in longitudinal waves, particle motion occurs in the same direction (parallel) as wave travel.

Frequency (f):

The number of complete waves passing a point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between identical points on adjacent waves (e.g., crest to crest).