transverse & longitudinal waves

• What are the two main types of waves?

  Transverse waves and longitudinal waves
• What type of waves are all electromagnetic waves?

  Transverse waves
• What type of waves are sound waves classified as?

  Longitudinal waves
• How are transverse waves defined in terms of medium displacement?

  Displacement is perpendicular to wave direction
• Give an example of a transverse wave.

  Ripples on water
• What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

  Sound waves in air
• What is the displacement direction in longitudinal waves?

  Parallel to the direction of the wave
• What are the distinctive characteristics of transverse waves?

  Crest, trough, wavelength, amplitude, direction
• What is the crest of a transverse wave?

  The highest point of the wave
• What is the trough of a transverse wave?

  The lowest point of the wave
• How is the wavelength of a transverse wave defined?

  Distance from one peak to the next
• What is the amplitude of a transverse wave?

  Distance from center line to crest or trough
• In which direction does a transverse wave travel relative to vibrations?

  At right angles to the direction of vibrations
• What are the distinctive characteristics of longitudinal waves?

  Compression, rarefaction, and wavelength
• What does compression represent in a longitudinal wave?

  Particles are close together
• What does rarefaction represent in a longitudinal wave?

  Particles are spread apart
• How is the wavelength of a longitudinal wave defined?

  Distance between two compressions or rarefactions
• In which direction does a longitudinal wave travel relative to vibrations?

  In the same direction as the vibrations
• What is polarisation in relation to transverse waves?

  Restricts vibrations to one plane
• Why is polarisation significant for light waves?

  It proves that light is a transverse wave
• How are sound waves classified in terms of wave type?

  As longitudinal waves
• How do sound waves propagate?

  By the vibrational motion of particles
• Through which mediums can sound waves travel?

  Air, liquids, and solids
• What factors affect the velocity of sound?

  Temperature, density, and elasticity of medium
• How does the medium affect wave behavior?

  Determines if waves act more like transverse or longitudinal
• In a low-density medium like air, how do sound waves behave?

  They behave more like longitudinal waves
• In a high-density medium like steel, how can sound waves behave?

  They can exhibit transverse wave-like properties
• What are the key characteristics of transverse waves?

  • Crest
  • Trough
  • Wavelength
  • Amplitude
  • Direction of wave
• What are the key characteristics of longitudinal waves?

  • Compression
  • Rarefaction
  • Wavelength
• What is the role of the medium in wave propagation?

  • Determines wave type behavior
  • Affects speed and characteristics of waves
• How does temperature affect sound wave velocity?

  • Higher temperature increases sound velocity
  • Lower temperature decreases sound velocity
• How does density affect sound wave velocity?

  • Higher density can slow down sound velocity
  • Lower density can speed up sound velocity
• How does elasticity affect sound wave velocity?

  • Greater elasticity increases sound velocity
  • Lower elasticity decreases sound velocity