Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Front

What is a mechanical wave?

Back

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

Front

What is the movement of a transverse wave?

Back

The movement of a transverse wave is up and down, perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Front

How does a longitudinal wave move?

Back

In a longitudinal wave, the disturbance moves parallel to the direction of the wave.

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy but not matter from one place to another.

Front

What type of wave does sound travel in?

Back

Sound travels in longitudinal waves.

Front

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Back

In transverse waves, the particle movement is perpendicular to the wave direction; in longitudinal waves, it is parallel.

Front

Can mechanical waves travel in a vacuum?

Back

No, mechanical waves cannot travel in a vacuum; they need a medium.

Front

What is an example of a transverse wave?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Back

An example of a longitudinal wave is sound waves.

Front

What happens to the particles in a medium when a wave passes through?

Back

The particles oscillate around their equilibrium positions but do not travel with the wave.