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 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 the important fact about waves and mediums?

  The wave travels, not the medium
• How do you demonstrate transverse waves using a slinky?

  By moving it up and down
• How do you demonstrate longitudinal waves using a slinky?

  By pushing and pulling it side to side
• What does the red dot represent in the wave demonstration?

  A water molecule or air particle