Wave Properties and Behavior

Front

Transverse Wave

Back

Particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave

Front

Longitudinal/Compressional Wave

Back

Particles vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave

Front

Electromagnetic Waves

Back

Waves which do not require a medium

Front

Mechanical Waves

Back

Waves which require a medium to propagate

Front

Crest

Back

Top of a wave

Front

Diffraction

Back

Waves bending around barriers or through a gap

Front

Wave Interference

Back

Two or more waves combining

Front

Refraction

Back

Bending of waves caused by a change in speed

Front

Reflection

Back

Waves bouncing

Front

Constructive Interference

Back

Waves combine to become bigger