Parts and Types of Waves

Cards (7)

  • Waves are one of the ways energy is transferred between stores.
  • Waves can be described as oscillations or vibrations about a rest position.
  • What is the difference between a longitudinal and transverse wave?
    The direction of the oscillations relative to the direction of energy transfer/wave travel
  • In transverse waves, the oscillations are perpendicular (at 90°) to the direction of energy transfer
  • In longitudinal waves, the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
  • What are two examples of transverse waves?
  • Name three examples of transverse waves?
    1. All electromagnetic waves
    2. Ripples and waves in water
    3. A wave on a string