Longitudinal & Transverse Waves

• 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