3.1.1 - 3.1.7 - Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
What are the 2 types of waves?
Transverse
Longitudinal
What is a transverse wave?
Waves that vibrate or oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
How does transverse waves work?
The energy transfer is perpendicular to the wave motion
They transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium
They can move in solids and on the surfaces of liquids but not inside liquids or gases
Some transverse waves (electromagnetic waves) can move in solids, liquids and gases and in a vacuum
What are the points on a wave called?
The highest above the rest position is called the peak, or crest
The lowest below the rest position is called the trough
What are some examples of a transverse wave?
Ripples on the surface of water
Vibrations in a guitar string
S-waves (a type of seismic wave)
Electromagnetic waves (such as radio, light, X-rays etc)
What is a longitudinal wave?
Waves where the points along its length vibrate parallel to the direction of energy transfer
How do Longitudinal waves work?
The energy transfer is in the same direction as the wave motion
They transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium
They can move in solids, liquids and gases
They can not move in a vacuum (since there are no particles)
What are the points for a longitudinal wave?
The key features of a longitudinal wave are where the points are:
Close together, called compressions
Spaced apart, called rarefactions
What are some examples of Longitudinal waves?
Sound waves
P-waves (a type of seismic wave)
Pressure waves caused by repeated movements in a liquid or gas
How are Longitudinal waves drawn?
Longitudinal waves are usually drawn as several lines to show that the wave is moving parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Drawing the lines closer together represents the compressions
Drawing the lines further apart represents the rarefactions
What are the differences between Transverse and Longitudinal waves?
Structure : Transverse : Peaks and troughs, Longitudinal : Compression and rarefactions
Vibration : Transverse : Perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, Longitudinal : Parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Vacuum : Transverse : Can travel in a vacuum (electromagnetic), Longitudinal : Cannot travel in Vacuum
Material : Transverse : Can travel through solids and on the surface of liquids , Longitudinal : Can travel through solids liquids and gases
Density and pressure : Transverse : Constant density and pressure , Longitudinal : Changes in density and pressure
What are the differences between the speed of transverse and Longitudinal waves?
Transverse - Depends on the material travelling through
Longitudinal - Depends on material travelling through
