Physics P1 - Longitudinal & Transverse waves (copy)

What is a transverse wave?

It is the oscillation of particles at right angles to the direction of energy transfer.

What are examples of transverse waves?

Electromagnetic waves.

What speed do electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum?

speed of light

How can a transverse wave be represented by a slinky?

Shaking the slinky vertically.

What is a longitudinal wave?

It is the oscillation of particles which are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

What are the main parts of a longitudinal wave?

Compressions and rarefaction.

Can longitudinal waves travel in a vacuum?

No, as they won't have a medium to transfer energy through.

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Sound.

How would you use a slinky to represent a longitudinal wave?

Pushing a slinky horizontally.

medium

the material through which the wave is travelling

electromagnetic waves

do not require a medium to be transfer and can travel through a vacuum.

mechanical waves

waves that cannot travel without a medium

crest

top/highest part on the transverse wave

trough

bottom/lowest part on a transverse wave

amplitude

height of the wave from rest to trough or rest to crest

wavelength

distance between consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

rarefaction

the region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart.

compression

the region in a longitudinal wave where particles are close together.