Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

How do particles move in a transverse wave?

Back

Particles move at right angles to the direction of the wave.

Front

How do particles move in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Particles move back and forth in the same direction as the wave.

Front

What is an example of a transverse wave?

Back

Light waves and waves on a string.

Front

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Back

Sound waves.

Front

What is compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The region where particles are close together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The region where particles are spread apart.

Front

What is the speed of sound in air?

Back

Approximately 343 meters per second at room temperature.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

The bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.