Comprehensive Wave Types, Properties, and Electromagnetic Spectrum

What is a wave?

A wave is a disturbance that travels through space or matter and results in the transfer of energy.

What are the two main types of waves?

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Describe a transverse wave.

A transverse wave moves the medium at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels.

Give an example of a transverse wave.

An ocean wave.

Describe a longitudinal wave.

A longitudinal wave moves the medium back and forth, parallel to the direction in which the wave travels.

What is amplitude?

Amplitude is the size or magnitude of the maximum displacement of the medium from its rest position.

What does amplitude measure in a wave?

Amplitude measures how much energy is in the wave.

What are crests and troughs?

Crests are points of maximum displacement above the rest position, while troughs are points of maximum displacement below it.

What is wavelength?

Wavelength is the distance between one point on a wave and the same point on the next consecutive wave.

What is the Greek symbol for wavelength?

Lambda (λ).

What is frequency?

Frequency is the number of waves that pass through a fixed point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

What is the difference between mechanical and non-mechanical waves?

Mechanical waves need a medium to travel through, while non-mechanical waves do not.

Give an example of a mechanical wave.

Sound waves.

Give an example of a non-mechanical wave.

Light waves.

How does sound travel?

Sound travels as a longitudinal wave through solids, liquids, and gases.

What is the speed of sound in air?

Between 330 m/s and 350 m/s, depending on temperature.

What determines the loudness of sound?

Loudness is determined by amplitude; larger amplitude means louder sound.

What is the unit of loudness?

Decibels (dB).

What is light?

Light energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation that can be seen by the human eye.

How does light travel?

Light travels in the form of waves and in straight lines.

What are photons?

Photons are tiny packets of energy that make up light.

What is electromagnetic radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation is energy emitted by atoms as they absorb and release energy.

What is the speed of electromagnetic radiation?

300,000,000 m/s (3 x 10^8 m/s), known as the speed of light.

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The entire range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation that can be produced.

What happens to wavelength as energy increases in electromagnetic radiation?

Wavelength decreases as energy increases.

What is reflection in terms of light?

Reflection is when light bounces off an object.

What is refraction?

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one transparent substance to another.

What is absorption in terms of light?

Absorption is when matter captures light and converts it into internal energy.

What is transmission in terms of light?

Transmission is when light passes through a material without being reflected or absorbed.

What are optical fibers?

Thin, flexible strands of glass that transmit data using light instead of electricity.