Transverse and Longitudinal Waves Review

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A wave in which the medium moves perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A wave in which the medium moves parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

Front

What is wavelength in a wave?

Back

The distance between two consecutive points that are in phase, such as crest to crest or compression to compression.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The highest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The lowest point of a transverse wave.

Front

What is the rest position of a medium?

Back

The position of the medium when no energy is being transferred through it.

Front

What is compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

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

Front

What is rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

A region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart.

Front

How do waves transfer energy?

Back

Waves transfer energy through the vibration of particles in the medium.

Front

Can transverse waves travel through liquids?

Back

No, transverse waves cannot travel through liquids; they require a solid medium.