This is from the applied science foundation diploma textbook of the Pearson edexcel specification
Periodic time
the time taken for one whole cycle of an oscillation
Wavelength
the distance along the wave in its direction of travel between consecutive points where the oscillations are in phase
Frequency
the number of whole cycles occurring in one second
Amplitude
the maximum value of displacement in the oscillation cycle- always measured from the mean position
Oscillation
a regularly repeating motion about a central value
What are properties of transverse waves?
What are properties of longitudinal waves?
How do waves transfer energy?
one place to another but without causing any net movement of material
What is an example of an oscillating system?
a piston in a motor car engine
What types of waves do you typically draw to show oscillations?
sine waves
What are transverse waves?
the displacement is at the right angle to the direction of energy transfer
what are longitudinal waves?
displacement occurs in the same direction that the wave travels
What is an example of a transverse wave?
water ripples
What is Diffraction?
the tendency of a wave to spread out in all directions