Y9 Physics - Transverse Waves

Transverse wave

A wave in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer

Energy transfer (waves … energy, places, matter)

Waves transfer energy from one place to another without transferring matter

Oscillation (repeat fix rest)

A repeated movement about a fixed rest position

Wavelength (the distance…such as)

The distance between two identical points on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a point on the wave from the rest position

Crest

The highest point of a transverse wave

Trough

The lowest point of a transverse wave

Rest position (equilibrium) (thé position…displacement)

The position of the wave when it has zero displacement

Displacement

The distance and direction of a point on the wave from the rest position

Frequency

The number of complete wavelengths passing a point each second

Frequency equation

Frequency (Hz) = number of waves ÷ time (s)

Period

The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point

Period equation

Period (s) = time (s) ÷ number of waves

Frequency–period relationship

Frequency is inversely proportional to period

Frequency–period equation

Frequency (Hz) = 1 ÷ period (s)

Examples of transverse waves

Electromagnetic waves (light, radio), water waves, and seismic S-waves