Modeling Waves Through Mediums

Waves

Mechanical waves

Transverse waves

The direction of the vibration is perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Parts of a transverse wave:

Crest: the highest point of a transverse wave.

Trough: the lowest point of a transverse wave.

Parts of a transverse wave:

Wavelength: the distant between two crests or two troughs.

Amplitude: the distance between the middle horizontal line and the highest point or between the middle line and the lowest point.

Wavelength:

Wavelength is represented by the Greek letter lambda:

 $\lambda$  

Longitudinal waves

The direction of the vibration is parallel to the direction of the wave.

Parts of a longitudinal wave:

Parts of a longitudinal wave:

Compression: the parts of the wave where the loops are close together.

Parts of a longitudinal wave:

Rarefaction: the parts of the wave where the loops are spread-out.

Parts of a longitudinal wave:

Wavelength: the distance between two compressions.

Multiple Choice

A wave that has the vibration parallel to the direction of the wave is called:

• Longitudinal

• Transverse

Multiple Choice

A wave that has the vibration perpendicular to the direction of the wave is called:

• Longitudinal

• Transverse

Multiple Choice

What does point C represent?

• Amplitude

• Trough

• Crest

• Wavelength

Multiple Choice

What does point A represent?

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

• Crest

• Trough