Classification of Waves Flashcards

How are waves classified based on what they move through?

What are mechanical waves?

Examples of mechanical waves include:

What kind of wave is a sound wave?

What are electromagnetic waves?

What is visible light?

How are waves classified based on how they move?

What are longitudinal waves?

What is the part of a longitudinal wave that is pushed together called?

What is the part of a longitudinal wave that is moving apart called?

Examples of longitudinal waves include:

Longitudinal waves are always classified as:

What are transverse waves?

The highest point of a transverse wave is called:

The lowest point of a transverse wave is called:

Examples of transverse waves include:

Electromagnetic waves are only transverse waves.

Classification of Waves

Waves can be classified based on what they move through: mechanical and electromagnetic.
Mechanical waves require a medium for energy transfer, while electromagnetic waves can travel through matter or empty space.

Mechanical Waves

Examples include water waves, seismic waves, sound waves, and waves on a rope or string.
Sound waves are classified specifically as mechanical waves.

Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic waves encompass a range of wave types and do not necessitate a medium for propagation.
Visible light is a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceivable by the human eye.

Wave Movement Classification

Waves are classified by their motion into longitudinal and transverse categories.

Longitudinal Waves

These waves vibrate by compressing and expanding particles in the same direction as the wave travels.
Components of longitudinal waves include compressions (areas where particles are pushed together) and rarefactions (areas where particles are moving apart).
Examples include sound waves and primary seismic waves, which are always classified as mechanical waves.

Transverse Waves

In these waves, particles move back and forth perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.
The highest point is referred to as the crest, while the lowest point is known as the trough.
Examples include slinky springs, waves on a rope, strings on musical instruments, and secondary seismic waves.
All electromagnetic waves are classified as transverse waves.

Explore the classification of waves with this set of flashcards. Learn about mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves, and their characteristics. Test your knowledge with examples and definitions to strengthen your understanding of wave types.