A wave is defined as a disturbance or oscillation that transfers energy from one point to another without the transfer of matter. This fundamental concept is key to understanding various wave phenomena.

In a transverse wave, the medium's displacement is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels. This distinguishes it from longitudinal waves where the displacement is along the direction of travel.

Longitudinal waves are defined by particle motion that is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. This creates compressions and rarefactions essential to the wave's structure.

Sound waves require a material medium to propagate, and they can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. However, their speed and efficiency vary depending on the medium.

Amplitude is defined as the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position in a wave. It is a key factor in determining the energy carried by the wave.

The relationship v = fλ shows that a wave's speed (v) is the product of its frequency (f) and wavelength (λ). This formula is fundamental in wave motion studies.

With the wave speed constant, the equation v = fλ implies that an increase in frequency must be compensated by a decrease in wavelength. This inverse relationship is central to understanding wave properties.

The energy carried by a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude, meaning that small changes in amplitude can produce large changes in energy. This quadratic relationship is important in many wave phenomena.

Constructive interference occurs when the crest of one wave aligns with the crest of another, producing a wave with a larger amplitude. This phenomenon is a direct result of the superposition principle in waves.

The frequency of a sound wave determines its pitch, with higher frequencies corresponding to higher perceived pitches. This concept is fundamental in the study of acoustics.

The period of a wave is the time required for one complete cycle of the wave. It is the reciprocal of frequency and helps describe the temporal behavior of waves.

Diffraction is the bending and spreading of waves when they pass through an opening or around obstacles. This effect becomes particularly noticeable when the size of the opening is similar to the wavelength.

Sound waves are mechanical waves that rely on the vibration of particles in a medium. Without a medium, as in a vacuum, there are no particles available to transmit the sound vibrations.

Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum because they are oscillations of electric and magnetic fields, not dependent on a material medium. This property is essential for the transmission of light through space.

The color of light is determined by its wavelength, with different wavelengths corresponding to different colors visible to the human eye. This forms the basis of many optical applications and studies.

Using the wave equation v = fλ, where frequency is 5 Hz and wavelength is 2 m, the speed calculates to 10 m/s. This problem reinforces basic numerical application of wave relationships.

A half-wavelength phase difference means that the crest of one wave aligns with the trough of the other, resulting in complete cancellation. This example illustrates the superposition principle and interference effects in waves.

Using the formula wavelength = speed/frequency, substituting 340 m/s for speed and 170 Hz for frequency gives a wavelength of 2 meters. This calculation is a direct application of the fundamental wave equation.

The speed of a transverse wave on a string depends primarily on the tension and the linear density of the string. Amplitude does not affect the speed, which is why it is the correct answer.

Nodes are points along a standing wave where destructive interference always occurs, resulting in no motion. They are contrasted with antinodes, where the medium experiences maximum displacement.