Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A disturbance that transfers energy but not matter.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

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

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

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

Front

What is a medium in the context of waves?

Back

A substance through which a wave can travel, such as air, water, or solid materials.

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 amplitude in a wave?

Back

The maximum distance that the particles of the medium move from their rest position.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

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

Front

What type of wave travels parallel to the medium?

Back

Longitudinal wave.

Front

What type of wave travels perpendicular to the medium?

Back

Transverse wave.