Transverse waves and longitudinal waves

Cards (14)

  • 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 does the term "perpendicular" mean?
    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
  • Do all transverse waves require a medium?
    No, not all transverse waves require a medium
  • What is a crucial fact about waves in relation to the medium?
    The wave travels, not the medium
  • How do particles oscillate in a transverse wave using a slinky?
    They oscillate up and down
  • How do particles oscillate in a longitudinal wave using a slinky?
    They oscillate from side to side