Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave where the disturbance moves perpendicular to the direction of the wave motion, such as in light waves or waves on a string.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the disturbance moves parallel to the direction of the wave motion, such as in sound waves.

Front

What do all waves carry?

Back

All waves carry energy.

Front

What causes mechanical waves to form?

Back

Mechanical waves are created when a source of energy causes a medium to vibrate.

Front

What is an example of a transverse wave?

Back

An example of a transverse wave is a wave on a string or electromagnetic waves like light.

Front

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Back

An example of a longitudinal wave is a sound wave.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

The main difference is the direction of the disturbance: transverse waves have disturbances perpendicular to the wave direction, while longitudinal waves have disturbances parallel to the wave direction.

Front

What is a compressional wave?

Back

A compressional wave is another term for a longitudinal wave, where areas of compression and rarefaction move through a medium.

Front

What is a medium in the context of waves?

Back

A medium is the substance through which a wave travels, such as air, water, or solid materials.

Front

Can waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

Transverse waves, like light waves, can travel through a vacuum, while longitudinal waves, like sound waves, cannot.