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 energy transfer.

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 energy transfer.

Front

Can sound waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum because they require a medium (particles) to propagate.

Front

What type of wave is a sound wave?

Back

Longitudinal wave.

Front

In a longitudinal wave, how do the vibrations compare to the direction of energy transfer?

Back

The vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A wave that requires a medium to travel through, such as sound waves and water waves.

Front

What is the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave?

Back

In a transverse wave, particle motion is perpendicular to wave direction; in a longitudinal wave, particle motion is parallel.

Front

Give an example of a transverse wave.

Back

Light waves and waves on a string are examples of transverse waves.

Front

Give an example of a longitudinal wave.

Back

Sound waves and compression waves in a slinky are examples of longitudinal waves.

Front

What is wavelength in the context of waves?

Back

The distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.