P6: LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSE WAVES Flashcards
1
Q
What is a transverse wave?
A
a wave that vibrates perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
2
Q
What is an example of a transverse wave?
A
light waves
3
Q
What is a longitudinal wave?
A
a wave that vibrates parallel to the direction of energy transfer
4
Q
What is an example of a longitudinal wave?
A
sound waves
5
Q
How fast does sound travel?
A
330 m/s
6
Q
How fast does light travel?
A
3x10^8 m/s
7
Q
What is frequency?
A
the number of waves passing a point per second
8
Q
What is the equation that links time period and frequency?
A
time period (s) = 1 / frequency (Hz) (T = 1/f)
9
Q
What is wavelength?
A
-the distance between 1 peak/trough and the next peak/trough (transverse)
or
-the distance between compressions (longitudinal)
10
Q
What is amplitude?
A
the distance between the peak/trough and equilibrium
