Nature of Waves

Cards (5)

  • Longitudinal Wave: A wave in which the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
  • Transverse Wave: A wave in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
  • What are some similarities between transverse and Longitudinal Waves?

    Both transfer energy, a type of wave and feature oscillation
  • What are some differences between transverse and Longitudinal Waves?
    Transverse has peaks and troughs
    Longitudinal has compressions and rarefactions
    Transverse have Perpendicular Oscillations
    Longitudinal have Parallel Oscillations
    Transverse can travel through a medium
    Longitudinal requires a medium to travel
  • Mechanical Waves can be either transverse or longitudinal