Types of waves

• What are waves used for in energy transfer?

  Waves transfer energy between stores.
• What types of waves transfer energy?

  Both mechanical and electromagnetic waves transfer energy.
• Do waves transfer matter?

  No, waves transfer energy but not matter.
• What is a wave described as?

  A wave is described as oscillations or vibrations about a rest position.
• How do sound waves affect air particles?

  Sound waves cause air particles to vibrate back and forth.
• What do ripples in water cause particles to do?

  Ripples cause water particles to vibrate up and down.
• What distinguishes longitudinal waves from transverse waves?

  Longitudinal waves have vibrations parallel to wave travel, while transverse waves have vibrations at right angles.
• What is a longitudinal wave?

  A longitudinal wave is a wave that moves in the same direction as the particles are vibrating.
• What is a transverse wave?

  A transverse wave moves at right angles to the direction of particle vibrations.
• What do mechanical waves require to travel?

  Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through.
• What happens to the medium after a wave passes through it?

  The medium returns to its rest position after the wave passes.
• What are electromagnetic waves responsible for?

  Electromagnetic waves cause oscillations in electrical and magnetic fields.
• What type of waves are all electromagnetic waves?

  All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.
• What is matter defined as?

  Matter includes sub-atomic particles, atoms, and molecules.
• What is the rest position of a wave?

  The rest position is the undisturbed position of particles when they are not vibrating.
• What does displacement refer to in a wave?

  Displacement is the distance a point in the medium has moved from its rest position.
• What is the peak of a wave?

  The peak is the highest point above the rest position.
• What is the trough of a wave?

  The trough is the lowest point below the rest position.
• What does amplitude refer to in a wave?

  Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point of a wave from its rest position.
• How is wavelength measured?

  Wavelength is usually measured from peak to peak or trough to trough.
• What is the time period of a wave?

  The time period is the time taken for a full cycle of the wave.
• What is frequency in the context of waves?

  Frequency is the number of waves passing a point each second.
• What are the key parts of a wave and their definitions?

  • Rest position: Undisturbed position of particles.
  • Displacement: Distance moved from rest position.
  • Peak: Highest point above rest position.
  • Trough: Lowest point below rest position.
  • Amplitude: Maximum displacement from rest position.
  • Wavelength: Distance covered by a full cycle.
  • Time period: Time taken for a full cycle.
  • Frequency: Number of waves passing a point each second.
• How do mechanical waves differ from electromagnetic waves?

  Mechanical waves require a medium, while electromagnetic waves do not.
• What happens to the medium after a mechanical wave passes through?

  The medium returns to its rest position after the wave passes.
• What is the relationship between waves and energy transfer?

  Waves are a means of transferring energy between stores.
• What is the significance of the medium in mechanical waves?

  The medium is essential for the propagation of mechanical waves.
• How do the oscillations in longitudinal waves differ from those in transverse waves?

  In longitudinal waves, oscillations are parallel to wave travel; in transverse waves, they are perpendicular.
• What is the role of amplitude in a wave?

  Amplitude indicates the maximum displacement from the rest position, affecting wave energy.
• How is frequency calculated?

  Frequency is calculated as the number of waves passing a point per second.
• What is the importance of measuring wave speed?

  Measuring wave speed helps understand how quickly energy is transferred through a medium.
• How do the properties of waves relate to their energy transfer capabilities?

  The properties of waves, such as amplitude and frequency, influence their energy transfer efficiency.
• What is the significance of the wave period in wave behavior?

  The wave period indicates how long it takes for one complete cycle of the wave to occur.
• What is the definition of wavelength?

  Wavelength is the distance covered by a full cycle of the wave.
• How does the concept of waves apply to sound and light?

  Both sound and light are transmitted as waves, transferring energy through different mediums.