Transverse And Longitudinal Waves Flashcards
1
Q
What are transverse waves (give examples)
A
They oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer of the waves
Eg. EM waves
Water ripples
Waves on a string
2
Q
What are longitudinal waves (give examples)
A
They are waves which oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Eg. Sound waves (ultra sound)
Shock waves
3
Q
What are mechanical waves
A
Waves which need a medium (substance) to travel through they can be transverse or longitudinal waves
4
Q
What is amplitude
A
The maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed position
5
Q
What is a wavelength
A
The distance from a point on the wave to the equivalent point on the next wave eg trough to trough and crest to crest
6
Q
What is frequency
A
The number of waves passing a point per second
