Properties of Waves

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the properties of waves, including amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave types.

Amplitude

The maximum distance the wave vibrates from its rest position.

Wavelength

The distance between any two adjacent crests or compressions.

Frequency

The number of waves produced in a given amount of time.

Hertz (Hz)

The unit of frequency expressing the number of waves per second.

Energy of Waves

Waves with small amplitude have low energy, while waves with large amplitude have high energy.

Wave Speed

The speed at which a wave travels.

Crest

The highest point of a wave.

Trough

The lowest point of a wave.

Compression

The part of a longitudinal wave where the particles are closer together.

Rarefaction

The part of a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which the particle movement is perpendicular to the wave movement.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which the particle movement is parallel to the wave movement.