Waves

wave

a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter

what is a transverse wave?

a wave in which the disturbance is perpendicular to the direction the wave travels

what is a mechanical wave?

a wave that can travel only through matter

in what mediums do mechanical waves travel?

mechanical waves can travel through solids, liquids and gases

what is energy?

the ability to cause change

what is a crest?

the highest points on a transverse wave

what is a trough?

the lowest points on a transverse wave

how do particles move in a transverse wave?

the particles move up and down while the wave travels horizontally

where do waves transfer energy?

waves transfer energy away from the source of the energy

what happens to matter when a wave transfers energy?

waves transfer energy but they leave matter in the same place

how do waves transfer energy without transferring matter?

when a force hits water the impact exerts a force on the water particles, transferring energy to the water by pushing and pulling on the water particles. the particles push and pull on neighboring water particles, transferring energy outward from the point of impact. the energy travels through the water from particle to particle as a wave.

what happens to a raft in a pool when a wave transfers energy

when the wave reaches the raft it begins to lift the raft upward. the wave transfers energy to the raft as it lifts it upward. the wave passes the raft as the wave continues to move across the pool the raft returns to its initial position after the wave passes

how is the motion of shaking a rope different from the motion of a spring?

when you shake a rope the particles in the rope move up and down (perpendicular) while the wave travels horizontally. when you pull on a spring the coils move closer together then farther apart and then closer together (back and forth). the wave moves parallel to the direction of the movement of the spring.