Mechanical Waves and Their Properties

Mechanical waves

Energy disturbances that propagate through a medium (solid

Transverse Waves

Waves in which the particles of the medium move perpendicularly to the direction in which the wave travels.

Crests

High points in a transverse wave.

Troughs

Low points in a transverse wave.

Longitudinal Waves

Waves in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction the wave travels.

Compressions

Regions in longitudinal waves where particles are close together.

Rarefactions

Regions in longitudinal waves where particles are spread out.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between two consecutive crests or compressions

Frequency (f)

The number of wave cycles (oscillations) that pass a fixed point per second

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of particles from their equilibrium (rest) position

Wave Speed (v)

The rate at which the wave travels through the medium

Period (T)

The time required for one complete wave cycle

Sound Waves

Vibrations in air that travel as longitudinal waves