Surface, Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

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

Which type of wave requires a medium to travel?

Back

Mechanical waves require a medium to travel.

Front

What are the two main types of mechanical waves?

Back

Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Front

In a transverse wave, how do the particles of the medium move?

Back

The particles move perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Front

In a longitudinal wave, how do the particles of the medium move?

Back

The particles move parallel to the direction of the wave.

Front

What are compressions in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Compressions are the regions where the particles are close together.

Front

What are rarefactions in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Rarefactions are the regions where the particles are spread apart.

Front

What is an example of a transverse wave?

Back

An example of a transverse wave is a wave on a string.

Front

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Back

An example of a longitudinal wave is a sound wave.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency in waves?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as one increases, the other decreases.