Introduction to Waves

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on the nature and properties of waves.

What are the two main types of waves?

Longitudinal and Transverse.

What is a wave?

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space.

What do we call the high points in a transverse wave?

Crests.

What do we call the low points in a transverse wave?

Troughs.

In a longitudinal wave, what is the region where the coils are close together called?

Compression.

What is the term for the less-dense region of a longitudinal wave?

Rarefaction.

How is wavelength defined?

The distance between one point on a wave and the nearest point just like it.

What is the wavelength measurement for transverse waves?

The distance from crest to crest or trough to trough.

What is the wavelength measurement for longitudinal waves?

The distance between two neighboring compressions or two neighboring rarefactions.

What distinguishes a longitudinal wave from a transverse wave?

Longitudinal waves have compressions and rarefactions, while transverse waves have crests and troughs.

How can waves differ?

In how much energy they carry and in how fast they travel.

What happens to the coils during a compression in a longitudinal wave?

The coils are close together.

What happens to the coils during a rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

The coils are spread apart or less dense.

Can a wave carry energy through space?

Yes, waves can transfer energy through both matter and space.

What is the primary feature of a wave?

Its ability to transfer energy.