Physics Waves: Transverse vs Longitudinal

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Download our mobile app to listen on the go

Get App

Questions and Answers

What type of wave has oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer?

Longitudinal waves
Sound waves
Transverse waves (correct)
Mechanical waves

Longitudinal waves do not require a medium to travel.

False (B)

Give an example of a transverse wave.

Ripples

In sound waves, air particles create __________ and rarefactions.

<p>compressions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the wave types with their characteristics:

<p>Transverse waves = Require a medium to travel Longitudinal waves = Oscillations parallel to energy transfer Sound waves = Transfer sound energy Ripples = Oscillations perpendicular to energy transfer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Transverse Waves

Waves that transfer energy by oscillating perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. Think of ripples on water, where the water moves up and down, but the energy travels sideways.

Longitudinal Waves

Waves that transfer energy by oscillating parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Imagine compressing and stretching a spring. The spring particles move back and forth, but the energy travels along the spring.

Compressions

Regions of a longitudinal wave where particles are close together, creating a high pressure.

Rarefactions

Regions of a longitudinal wave where particles are far apart, creating a low pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wave vs. Medium

The movement of a wave involves energy transfer, but the medium itself does not travel with the wave. Imagine a slinky: the wave travels along the slinky, but the individual coils just move back and forth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Waves

All waves are categorized into transverse and longitudinal waves.
Waves transfer energy from one location to another.
Ripples transfer kinetic energy; sound waves transfer sound energy.

Transverse Waves

Oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
Ripples are an example of transverse waves: oscillations are up and down, while energy travels sideways.
Not all transverse waves need a medium.

Longitudinal Waves

Oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
Sound waves are an example, with air particles moving back and forth, creating compressions (tightly packed particles) and rarefactions (spread-out particles).
All longitudinal waves require a medium (like air, liquid, or solid) to travel through.

Key Fact

The wave travels, not the medium.
This can be seen with a slinky: a single point (an air particle, or water molecule) oscillates but doesn't move through the medium.