Wave Types and Properties

Flashcards about waves and their properties. They include definitions of transverse waves, crests, troughs, amplitude, and wavelength. They also cover mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

Wave

A disturbance that carries energy through matter or space; transfers energy from one point to another.

Medium

Matter through which a wave travels.

Oscillation (SHM)

Movement back and forth at a regular speed.

Mechanical Wave

Require a medium; examples include seismic waves (Earth) and sound (air).

Electromagnetic Waves

Oscillate electric and magnetic fields; examples include phones and light.

Transverse Waves

Particles of medium move perpendicular to the direction of wave energy. Example: Light

Crest

Peak of wave; point on the wave with the maximum value of upward displacement within a cycle.

Amplitude

Distance a particle is displaced from equilibrium.

Trough

Lowest Point; Distance between consecutive troughs or two particles of same movement and position of wave.

Wavelength

Symbol (lambda); Distance between consecutive crests or troughs.

Pulse

Single burst of energy; not wavelength.