transverse and longitudinal waves

• 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 regions of compressed particles in longitudinal waves called?

  Compressions
• What are regions of spaced-out particles in longitudinal waves called?

  Rarifications
• 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 in a medium behave when a wave travels through it?

  They oscillate but do not travel
• What does a slinky demonstrate in wave behavior?

  Transverse and longitudinal waves
• 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
• How do transverse and longitudinal waves differ in terms of medium requirement?

  • Longitudinal waves require a medium
  • Transverse waves may not require a medium
• What is the significance of oscillation in wave motion?

  • Oscillations indicate energy transfer
  • Particles oscillate but do not travel with the wave