Wave Types - Longitudinal and Transverse

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a repeating disturbance or vibration that transfers energy from place to place without transporting matter.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

The two main types of waves are longitudinal waves and transverse waves.

Front

Define longitudinal wave.

Back

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move back and forth in the same direction as the wave propagation.

Front

Define transverse wave.

Back

A transverse wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move up and down perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that the particles of a medium move from their rest position when a wave passes through.

Front

What is compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Compression is the region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Rarefaction is the region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are furthest apart.

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

A mechanical wave is a wave that requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through.

Front

What is an electromagnetic wave?

Back

An electromagnetic wave is a wave that can travel through a vacuum and does not require a medium, such as light.