Transverse & Longitudinal Waves Flashcards

All 4 cards in this deck

In a transverse wave, in which direction do the oscillations happen?

Perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction the wave travels.
e.g. water waves, electromagnetic waves, seismic S-waves

In a longitudinal wave, in which direction do the oscillations happen?

In the same direction as (parallel to) the direction the wave travels.
e.g. sound waves, seismic P-waves

What are compressions and rarefactions in a longitudinal wave?

Compressions are regions where the particles are squashed closer together; rarefactions are regions where they are spread further apart.

How does a vibrating tuning fork prong make a sound wave travel through air?

It makes the air vibrate in the same direction as the wave travels, producing compressions and rarefactions.