Transverse and longitudinal wave

• What are the two categories of waves?

  Transverse waves and longitudinal waves
• What do all waves transfer?

  Energy from one place to another
• What type of energy do ripples transfer?

  Kinetic energy
• What type of energy do sound waves transfer?

  Sound energy
• How do oscillations in transverse waves move?

  Perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
• What is the definition of perpendicular?

  At right angles
• How do oscillations in longitudinal waves move?

  Parallel to the direction of energy transfer
• What are compressions in longitudinal waves?

  Regions where particles are close together
• What are rarefactions in longitudinal waves?

  Regions where particles are spaced out
• What is a key difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

  Longitudinal waves require a medium to travel
• What does it mean that waves travel but the medium does not?

  The wave moves, not the water or air
• How do transverse waves behave in a slinky demonstration?

  The dot oscillates up and down
• How do longitudinal waves behave in a slinky demonstration?

  The dot oscillates from side to side
• What are the characteristics of transverse waves?

  • Oscillations are perpendicular to energy transfer
  • Example: Ripples on water
  • Do not always require a medium
• What are the characteristics of longitudinal waves?

  • Oscillations are parallel to energy transfer
  • Example: Sound waves in air
  • Require a medium to travel
• What evidence shows that waves move but the medium does not?

  • In slinky demonstrations:
  • Transverse: Dot oscillates up and down
  • Longitudinal: Dot oscillates side to side