Types of Waves Flashcards
What are the two types of waves
Electromagnetic Waves and Mechanical Waves
Electromagnetic Waves are waves that…
Can travel in a vacuum (without a medium)
Examples of an Electromagnetic Wave
Light Waves and Radio Waves
Mechanical Waves are waves that…
Need a medium to transfer energy from one point to another.
Examples of Mechanical Waves
Sound Waves and Ocean Waves
Another way to categorize waves is based on the…
Direction of vibration of the particles relative to the direction of propagation of the wave
The types of waves based on the direction of vibration of the particles are
Transverse and Longitudinal Waves
Where does the direction of vibration go in a longitudinal wave?
The particle in the medium are oscillating to and fro, parallel with the direction of
the propagation of the wave
Where does the direction of vibration go in a transverse wave?
The particle in the medium are displaced in an up-and-down position which is
perpendicular to the direction of the propagation of the waves.
In a longitudinal Wave the energy moves constantly to the right while the media moves…
Left to right
In a transverse wave oscillations is…
The to-and-fro movements of the wave
In a transverse wave amplitude is…
And what is the Symbol and Unit for amplitude
The maximum displacement of the wave from its rest point (The middle line)
Symbol: A
Unit: m (meter)
In a transverse wave Wavelength is the…
And what is the Symbol and Unit for wavelength
The Distance between any two corresponding points on the wave
Symbol: (Lambda)
Unit: m (meter)
In a transverse wave Frequency is the…
And what is the Symbol and Unit for frequency
The number of waves passing any point in one second
The frequency (in Hz) is the number of oscillations per second.
Symbol: f
Unit: Hz (Hertz)
In a transverse wave Period is the…
And what is the Symbol and Unit for Period
The time for 1 oscillation
The period (in seconds) is the time for one complete oscillation.
Symbol: T
Unit: s (seconds)
