Waves Physics Quiz

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position, indicating the energy of the wave. It is often measured in units such as meters.

compression

The region in a longitudinal wave where particles are closest together, resulting in increased pressure.

crest

The highest point of a transverse wave, representing the maximum displacement above the rest position.

equilibrium line

A horizontal line that represents the rest position of particles in a wave. It serves as a reference point for measuring amplitude and displacement.

hertz

The unit of frequency, representing one cycle per second.

longitudinal

wave in which the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

period

The duration of one complete cycle of a wave, typically measured in seconds.

frequency

the number of cycles per unit time, typically measured in hertz.

transverse

wave in which the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

mechanical

Wave that requires a medium to move through, like water and sound

surface

a mechanical or electromagnetic wave that travels along the boundary separating two different media

trough

the lowest point in a wave cycle, downward displacement of a wave from its resting position

velocity

the distance a specific point on the wave travels per unit of time

rarefraction

the bending of a wave’s crest as it moved across varying water depth or mediums

wavelength

the distance over which a wave’s shape repeats itself, distance between two identical points on a wave, from crest to crest or trough to trough

standing waves

a wave pattern that oscillates in time but does not travel through space

oscillates

to swing, move repeatedly back and forth between two points

electromagnetic waves

invisible patterns of energy made of vibrating electric and magnetic fields.

A disturbance that carries energy through matter or space is a……

wave

the number of complete oscillations a wave makes each second is the ____ of a wave

frequency

__ refers to the change in direction waves experience at the boundary between two different media

refraction

the speed in a wave between all frequencies is always ____

the same

what happens to a wave when no end is present

waves keeps on traveling, never reflects back

what happens when a wave has a loose end

it does reflect back, the speed is the same and the wave returns back to the same side

taller waves =

higher amplitude

higher frequency =

shorter wavelengths

higher damping =

waves fade faster

higher tension =

faster wave speed

what happens when a wave hits a fixed end

reflects back, speed is the same, return on the opposite side

as the wavelength increases, the speed…..

remains constant because its a uniform medium

as the frequency of the waves doubles, the…..

wavelength is cut in half and the speed remains constant