Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

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

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

The highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

The lowest point of a wave.

Front

Define wavelength.

Back

The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Front

What happens to wavelength when frequency increases?

Back

The wavelength decreases.

Front

What is frequency?

Back

The number of waves that pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

The maximum distance that the particles of a medium move from their rest position in a wave.

Front

How are sound waves classified?

Back

Sound waves are classified as longitudinal waves.

Front

How are light waves classified?

Back

Light waves are classified as transverse waves.