Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Question 1

What are transverse waves?

Answer 1

Waves where the oscillations of the medium are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. E.g. light waves and waves on a string.

Question 2

What are the key features of transverse waves?

Answer 2

Crests, Troughs, Amplitude, Wavelength, Frequency, Period, Wave Speed

Question 3

How do transverse waves reflect?

Answer 3

Transverse waves can invert when off a fixed boundary or remain upright when off a free boundary.

Question 4

How do longitudinal waves reflect?

Answer 4

Longitudinal waves do not invert when reflecting off a boundary; compressions and rarefactions maintain their relative positions.

Question 5

What is refraction?

Answer 5

Refraction is the change in direction and speed of a wave as it moves. (Both)

Question 6

What is diffraction?

Answer 6

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings. (Both)

Question 7

What is interference?

Answer 7

Interference occurs when overlapping waves combine. In transverse waves, this can be constructive (amplitudes add) or destructive (amplitudes cancel). Longitudinal waves also experience similar interference (impacting pressure regions)

Question 8

What is the formula for wave speed?

Answer 8

The formula for wave speed is v=f×λ, where v is the wave speed, 𝑓 is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength.

Question 9

What is the relationship between frequency and period?

Answer 9

𝑓=1/𝑇 T = 1/f
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Frequency is the number of cycles per unit time, while period is the time for one complete cycle.

Question 10

How do transverse waves propagate through different media?

Answer 10

Transverse waves require a solid medium to propagate as they rely on shear stress. They cannot travel through fluids (liquids or gases).