8.1: Longitudinal and Transverse Waves Flashcards
1
Q
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Mechanical Waves
A
- Any wave that needs a medium to travel through is called a mechanical wave
- Mechanical waves transfer energy from one place to another through a medium.
- The particles of matter vibrate either back and forh or up and down, this transfers the energy from one place to another
2
Q
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Transverse Waves
A
- Particles within medium vibrate up and down, perpindicular/transverse to the direction of motion of the wave energy
- When particles are displaced from average position, they reach a maximum positive displacement called a crest
- Particles below average position fall to maximum negative position called trough
3
Q
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Longitudinal Waves
A
- In a longitudinal mechanical wave, the vibration of the particles within the medium move parallel to the direction of energy flow of the wave, made up of a series of compressions and rarefractions.
- The compressions and rarefractions in a longitudinal wave correspond to the crests and troughs of a transverse wave
- Examples of a longitudinal wave is a sound wave
4
Q
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Sound Waves
A
- Sound waves are longitudinal waves since the molecules of the medium (air molecules) vibrate in the direction of travel of the energy.
- Due to the longitudinal motion of the air particles, there are regions in the air where the particles are compressed, and regions where the particles are spread apart.
- Compressions are regions of high air pressure while rarefactions are regions of low air pressure
5
Q
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Pulses v Periodic
A
- A pulse is a single wave/disturbance
- A continuous or period wave oscillates about the average position, in a regular, repetitive, or periodic pattern.
6
Q
A
7
Q
A
8
Q
Speed of Light
A
3x10^8 m/s
