Define: Waves are oscillations that come from some source. There are mechanical waves, which require a medium in which to travel through, and electromagnetic waves which do not require a medium. In a transverse wave, the displacement is perpindicular to the motion of the wave, and parallel to the motion in a longitudinal wave. Waves have the characteristics wavelength, amplitude, period, and frequency.
Explain:
A mechanical wave requires a medium in which to travel through. Sound is an example of a mechanical wave because it travels through material. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium in which to travel through. Light is an electromagnetic wave because it can travel through a vacuum.
In a transverse wave, the displacement is perpindicular to the direction the wave it traveling. The wave in the picture above travels right, but the dots in the wave travel up and down.
In a longitudinal wave, the material travels in the direction of the wave's motion.
Waves have the characterists of wavelength, amplitude, period, and frequency.
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks. Amplitude is the distance between the peak and the resting position. Period is how long it takes for the wave to complete one oscillation. Frequency is the number of oscillations the wave completes in a certain amount of time.
Waves:
Define: Waves are oscillations that come from some source. There are mechanical waves, which require a medium in which to travel through, and electromagnetic waves which do not require a medium. In a transverse wave, the displacement is perpindicular to the motion of the wave, and parallel to the motion in a longitudinal wave. Waves have the characteristics wavelength, amplitude, period, and frequency.
Explain:
A mechanical wave requires a medium in which to travel through. Sound is an example of a mechanical wave because it travels through material. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium in which to travel through. Light is an electromagnetic wave because it can travel through a vacuum.
In a transverse wave, the displacement is perpindicular to the direction the wave it traveling. The wave in the picture above travels right, but the dots in the wave travel up and down.
In a longitudinal wave, the material travels in the direction of the wave's motion.
Waves have the characterists of wavelength, amplitude, period, and frequency.
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks. Amplitude is the distance between the peak and the resting position. Period is how long it takes for the wave to complete one oscillation. Frequency is the number of oscillations the wave completes in a certain amount of time.
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Sources http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0006049.html http://id.mind.net/~zona/mstm/physics/waves/partsOfAWave/waveParts.htm