Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

• What do waves transfer through a medium?

  Energy
• What is frequency in wave terminology?

  Number of complete waves per second
• What does the period of a wave refer to?

  Time for a complete wave to pass
• How do sound waves behave in terms of particle movement?

  Air particles do not move with the wave
• What is the amplitude of a wave?

  Maximum displacement from rest position
• What is wavelength in wave terminology?

  Length of a full cycle of a wave
• What happens when a wave hits a boundary?

  It can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected
• What are transverse waves?

  Oscillations perpendicular to energy transfer
• What are longitudinal waves?

  Oscillations parallel to energy transfer
• What is wave speed?

  Speed at which a wave transfers energy
• What is the wave equation?

  Wave speed = frequency × wavelength
• What is 1 Hz in terms of waves?

  1 wave per second
• What are the types of waves mentioned in the study material?

  • Transverse waves
  • Ripples in water
  • Electromagnetic waves (e.g. light)
  • Longitudinal waves
  • Sound waves
• What is the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength?

  Wave speed = frequency × wavelength
• What is the significance of a speaker attached to a signal generator?

  It produces waves of specified frequency
• How do the oscillations in transverse waves differ from those in longitudinal waves?

  Transverse oscillations are perpendicular; longitudinal are parallel
• What is the role of refraction in wave behavior?

  It occurs at a boundary between media
• What happens to a wave when it refracts?

  The wave changes direction at the boundary
• What is the angle of incidence in wave refraction?

  Angle between incoming ray and normal
• What are compressions and rarefactions in longitudinal waves?

  Compressions are areas of high pressure; rarefactions are low pressure
• What is the significance of the wave speed in air?

  It indicates how fast sound travels
• How do waves on a string behave?

  They exhibit transverse wave characteristics
• How does the speed of electromagnetic waves compare to sound waves?

  Electromagnetic waves travel faster than sound waves
• What is the relationship between wave speed and energy transfer?

  Wave speed affects how quickly energy is transferred