wave basics

• what is frequency?

  the number of waves per second
• what is period?

  the number of seconds it takes for one full cycle
• in transverse waves, at what degrees is the vibrations to the direction the wave travels?

  90 degrees (perpendicular)
• what are examples of transverse waves?


  • all EM waves
  • S-waves
  • Ripples and waves in water
• in longitudinal waves, what direction are the vibrations to the direction the wave travels?

  parallel
• what are examples of longitudinal waves?

  • sound waves
  • P waves
• what is the equation for wave speed?

  wave speed = frequency X wavelength
• what is wavelength?

  the length of a full cycle of the wave (crest to crest)
• what is amplitude?

  the displacement from the rest position to a crest ot trough
• what are sound waves caused by?

  vibrating objects