Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

Longitudinal waves and transverse waves.

Front

Define longitudinal wave.

Back

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

Front

Define transverse wave.

Back

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

Front

What are compressions in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The dense regions where particles are close together.

Front

What are rarefactions in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The regions where particles are spread apart.

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

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

Front

How does amplitude affect energy in a wave?

Back

As amplitude increases, the energy of the wave increases.

Front

What is frequency in the context of waves?

Back

The number of waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

Higher frequency waves have shorter wavelengths, and lower frequency waves have longer wavelengths.