Longitudinal & Transverse Waves

Cards (14)

  • What is a wave?
    A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter
  • What is the frequency of a wave?
    The number of times a wave oscillate in one second
  • Features of a wave
    Crest
    Trough
    Amplitude
  • What is the wavelength of a wave?
    Length of one oscillation, in metres
  • What is the amplitude of a wave?
    The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position
  • Unit for frequency
    Hertz (Hz)
  • Unit for wavelength
    Metres (m)
  • What is the time period of a wave?
    The time it takes for one entire oscillation of a wave in seconds
  • Formula for time period
    Time period = 1/frequency
  • Formula that links wave speed frequency and wavelength
    Wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)
  • What is a transverse wave?
    A wave where oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
  • 4 examples of transverse waves
    Electromagnetic waves
    Water waves
    Waves on a string
    Seismic s-waves
  • What is a longitudinal wave
    Where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
  • 2 examples of longitudinal waves
    Sound waves
    Seismic p-waves