Types of Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that carries energy from one place to another.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

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

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Back

An example of a longitudinal wave is sound waves or coils being pushed and pulled in a spring.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is an example of a transverse wave?

Back

An example of a transverse wave is a ripple on the surface of water or a wave on a string.

Front

What is a surface wave?

Back

A surface wave is a wave that travels along the surface of a medium, exhibiting both longitudinal and transverse motion.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

The crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

The trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

How do particles in a medium move when a wave passes through?

Back

The particles in the medium stay in about the same place, moving only slightly as the wave passes.