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Physics - Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves

Intro to Waves

  • a wave is defined as - the transfer of energy without the transfer of matter, also known as wave motion

  • there are 2 types of waves that can transfer energy:

    1. transverse - particle vibrate at right angles to the direction of the wave, for example ocean waves

    2. longitudinal - particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave motion, but backwards and forwards, for example sound waves

longitudinal vs transverse waves

  • the number of waves produced a second is called the frequency

  • there is no net change in transverse waves, and the wave travels away from its source

  • period - time for one wave to pass through a fixed point

  • wavelength - how long a wave is, measure peak to peak or trough to trough

  • amplitude - the heights of the wave, and the displacement from the rest position

  • frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz)

  • 1 wave passing a point = 1 Hz

The Seven Qualities of a Transverse Wave

  • wavelength (lambda)

  • frequency (Hz)

  • crest

  • trough - max downward value

  • amplitude - max upward value

  • period

  • wave speed

  • Everything is made up of atoms - even air has atoms

  • when one atoms bumps another, energy is transferred mechanically

  • mechanical energy transfer - one atom bumps another

  • vibration - a rapid continuous movement, creates sound waves

  • longitudinal waves are sometimes called pressure waves

  • longitudinal waves move to and fro in the direction of the energy flow

Calculating Wave Velocity

  • period - time needed to complete a wavelength

  • speed, frequency, and wavelength are linked by the wave equation

  • if frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa

  • wave equation - v = f λ

  • v = speed of wave (m/s)

  • f = frequency of wave (Hz)

  • λ = wavelength of wave (m)

  • to calculate frequency - f = v/λ

  • to calculate wavelength - λ = v/f

Physics - Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves

Intro to Waves

  • a wave is defined as - the transfer of energy without the transfer of matter, also known as wave motion

  • there are 2 types of waves that can transfer energy:

    1. transverse - particle vibrate at right angles to the direction of the wave, for example ocean waves

    2. longitudinal - particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave motion, but backwards and forwards, for example sound waves

longitudinal vs transverse waves

  • the number of waves produced a second is called the frequency

  • there is no net change in transverse waves, and the wave travels away from its source

  • period - time for one wave to pass through a fixed point

  • wavelength - how long a wave is, measure peak to peak or trough to trough

  • amplitude - the heights of the wave, and the displacement from the rest position

  • frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz)

  • 1 wave passing a point = 1 Hz

The Seven Qualities of a Transverse Wave

  • wavelength (lambda)

  • frequency (Hz)

  • crest

  • trough - max downward value

  • amplitude - max upward value

  • period

  • wave speed

  • Everything is made up of atoms - even air has atoms

  • when one atoms bumps another, energy is transferred mechanically

  • mechanical energy transfer - one atom bumps another

  • vibration - a rapid continuous movement, creates sound waves

  • longitudinal waves are sometimes called pressure waves

  • longitudinal waves move to and fro in the direction of the energy flow

Calculating Wave Velocity

  • period - time needed to complete a wavelength

  • speed, frequency, and wavelength are linked by the wave equation

  • if frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa

  • wave equation - v = f λ

  • v = speed of wave (m/s)

  • f = frequency of wave (Hz)

  • λ = wavelength of wave (m)

  • to calculate frequency - f = v/λ

  • to calculate wavelength - λ = v/f

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