Physics - Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves

Wavelength

________- how long a wave is, measure peak to peak or trough to trough.

net change

There is no ________ in transverse waves, and the wave travels away from its source.

Frequency

________ is measured in Hertz (Hz)

particle

Transverse- ________ vibrate at right angles to the direction of the wave, for example ocean waves.

Vibration

________- a rapid continuous movement, creates sound waves.

Longitudinal waves

________ move to and fro in the direction of the energy flow.

Mechanical energy transfer

________- one atom bumps another.

particles

Longitudinal- ________ vibrate in the same direction as the wave motion, but backwards and forwards, for example sound waves.

a wave is defined as

the transfer of energy without the transfer of matter, also known as wave motion

transverse

particle vibrate at right angles to the direction of the wave, for example ocean waves

longitudinal

particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave motion, but backwards and forwards, for example sound waves

period

time for one wave to pass through a fixed point

wavelength

how long a wave is, measure peak to peak or trough to trough

amplitude

the heights of the wave, and the displacement from the rest position

trough

max downward value

amplitude

max upward value

Everything is made up of atoms

even air has atoms

mechanical energy transfer

one atom bumps another

vibration

a rapid continuous movement, creates sound waves

period

time needed to complete a wavelength

wave equation

v = f λ

to calculate frequency

f = v/λ

to calculate wavelength

λ = v/f