Transcript Characteristics of Waves

Characteristics of Waves
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Wave- rhythmic disturbance that
carry energy through matter or
space.
There are 2 types of waves
1. Transverse Waves
2. Compressional or Longitudinal
•Transverse wave- the medium
moves at right angles to the
direction that the wave travels.
Ex: shaking a rope
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Part of a transverse wave
Crest- highest point of the wave
Troughs- lowest point of the wave
Medium- material through which a
wave transfers energy. It can be
solid, liquid or gas
Amplitude- the distance from the
crest (or trough) of the wave to the
rest position of the medium.
Crest
Medium
Trough
 Wavelength-
the distance between
the point of 1 wave to the same
point on another wave.
Medium
 Frequency-
the number of wave
crests that pass on place in a second.
-It is measured in hertz. (Hz)
 Compressional
or Longitudinal
waves- the matter vibrates in the
same direction as the wave
travels.
Ex: a spring
 Compression-
crowded area
(when the spring is together)
 Rarefaction- expanded area
(when the spring is apart)
 Wavelength-
made up of 1
compression and 1 rarefaction.