Physics: Waves

Peak

Highest point of a wave

Trough

Lowest point of a wave

Wavelength

Distance between the same points on 2 adjacent waves

Frequency

Number of complete waves passing a certain point per second

Period

Time takes for a full cycle of waves to pass a certain point

Amplitude

Maximum displacement of a wave from its undisturbed position

Transverse Waves

Waves that travel side to side at right angles to the direction of propagation, therefore vibrations are perpendicular to direction of energy transfer

Longitudinal Waves

Waves that travel back and fourth along the direction of propagation, therefore vibrations are parallel to direction of nearby transfer

Examples of transverse waves

• ripples and waves in water

• All electromagnetic waves

• Waves on a string

• Most waves

• Secondary Seismic waves

Examples of Longitudinal waves

• Shock waves: primary seismic waves

• Sound waves in air

• Ultrasound

Wave speed

Speed at which waves transfer energy

Speed of waves in air

3 × 10⁸ m/s