Waves and Sound Flashcards

Grade 9 · Science · Flashcards

Study wave properties and sound concepts with these 12 essential flashcards.

Flashcards

Wave: A disturbance that carries energy from one place to another without permanently moving matter.
Transverse Wave: Wave where particle oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., light, water surface).
Longitudinal Wave: Wave where particle oscillation is parallel to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., sound).
Crest: The highest point of a transverse wave.
Trough: The lowest point of a transverse wave.
Wavelength (λ): Distance between two consecutive identical points on a wave; measured in meters.
Frequency (f): Number of complete wave cycles per second; measured in Hertz (Hz).
Amplitude: Maximum displacement from rest position; related to energy (larger amplitude = more energy).
Wave Speed (v): v = fλ; the speed at which a wave travels through a medium.
Compression: Region in a longitudinal wave where particles are pushed close together (high pressure).
Rarefaction: Region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart (low pressure).
Doppler Effect: Apparent change in frequency when source and observer move relative to each other; explains pitch shift of passing sirens.