5.1 - Longitudinal & Transverse Waves

• Waves transfer energy from one place to another without transferring matter.
• The wavelength of a wave is the distance of one entire oscillation of that wave.

  
• The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position (the x-axis).

  
• The time period is the time it takes for one entire oscillation of a wave.

  
• The formula for frequency is:

  f=1/T
• The unit for frequency is:

  Hz
• The formula for wave speed is:

  v=fλ
• A wave where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer is a:

  Transverse wave
• A wave where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer is a:

  Longitudinal wave
• Transverse wave

  
• Longitudinal wave

  
• What are the basics of waves discussed in the video?

  Labeling parts, calculating wave speed, types
• What do waves transfer from one place to another?

  Energy
• Do waves transfer matter?

  No, they do not transfer matter
• How does our brain interpret energy from waves?

  By building images and tunes
• What is the displacement in a wave graph?

  How far from the equilibrium point
• What is the maximum displacement of a wave called?

  Amplitude
• What is the distance of one entire oscillation called?

  Wavelength
• What is the opposite of the crest in a wave?

  Trough
• What does a displacement time graph show?

  Time on the x-axis instead of distance
• What is the time period of a wave?

  Time for one complete oscillation
• How do you calculate frequency from the time period?

  Frequency = 1 / time period
• If the time period is $0.5 \text{ seconds}$, what is the frequency?


  2 Hz
• If the frequency is 4 Hz, what is the time period?

  $0.25 \text{ seconds}$
• How do you calculate wave speed?

  Wave speed = wavelength × frequency
• What is the wave speed of a sound wave with a frequency of 400 Hz and wavelength of 70 cm?

  280 m/s
• What is the unit for measuring frequency?

  Hertz
• What are transverse waves?

  Oscillations are perpendicular to energy transfer
• How do longitudinal waves oscillate?

  Oscillations are parallel to energy transfer
• What are the key differences between transverse and longitudinal waves?

  • Transverse waves: oscillations perpendicular to energy transfer
  • Longitudinal waves: oscillations parallel to energy transfer
  • Examples: Transverse (light, water), Longitudinal (sound, seismic P waves)
• What is the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and wave speed?

  • Wave speed = wavelength × frequency
  • Wavelength: distance of one oscillation
  • Frequency: number of oscillations per second
• What is the significance of amplitude in wave behavior?

  • Amplitude: maximum displacement from equilibrium
  • Determines wave energy and intensity
  • Higher amplitude = more energy