What are the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves?
Transverse: Particles move perpendicular to wave direction, crests and troughs. Longitudinal: Particles move parallel, compressions and rarefactions.
What are the differences between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?
Mechanical: Require a medium, transfer energy through particle movement. Electromagnetic: Do not require a medium, transfer energy through oscillating fields.
What happens when the amplitude of a wave increases?
The energy of the wave increases.
What happens when the frequency of a wave increases, assuming constant medium?
The wavelength decreases, but the wave speed remains constant.
What happens when a wave enters a new medium?
The wave speed and wavelength change (unless it's the same medium), but the frequency remains constant.
What happens when the tension in a string increases?
The wave speed increases.
What is a wave?
A disturbance that transfers energy through a medium.
Define transverse wave.
A wave where particles move perpendicular to the wave's direction.
Define longitudinal wave.
A wave where particles move parallel to the wave's direction.
What is a mechanical wave?
A wave that requires a medium to travel.
What is an electromagnetic wave?
A wave that doesn't need a medium to travel; it can travel through a vacuum.
Define wavelength (\(\lambda\)).
The length of one complete wave cycle.
Define amplitude (a).
The height of the wave from rest to maximum displacement. Proportional to energy.
Define frequency (f).
The number of waves per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
Define period (T).
The time for one complete wave cycle, measured in seconds (s).
Define Polarization.
The direction of a wave's vibration. Only transverse waves can be polarized.
