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

What is a compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The part of a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.

Front

What is a rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The part of a longitudinal wave that is farthest apart.

Front

What is a crest in a transverse wave?

Back

The highest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is a trough in a transverse wave?

Back

The lowest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What does amplitude refer to in a wave?

Back

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

Front

How does amplitude affect the energy of a wave?

Back

A wave with a larger amplitude carries more energy than a wave with a smaller amplitude.

Front

What is the medium in the context of waves?

Back

The matter through which a wave travels.

Front

Can sound travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, sound requires a medium (like air, water, or solids) to travel.