Waves
any disturbance that transmits energy through matter or space.
Energy
the ability to do work
medium
solid, liquid, or gas
vibration
A repeated back-and-forth or up-and-down motion
Mechanical Waves
waves that require a medium through which to travel
Transverse Wave and Longitudinal Waves
two types of mechanical waves
S-Waves
also known as Transverse Waves
P-Waves
also know as Longitudinal Waves
Right Angles
direction in which waves are traveling with transverse waves
Crest
where the displacement of the medium is at top of the transverse wave
Trough
where the displacement of the medium is at bottom of the transverse wave
Rest Position
where the medium show no disturbance
Amplitude
The distance from the rest position to a crest or to a trough in a transverse wave
Frequency
number of vibrations per second
Hertz
how frequency is measured
1 vibration
1 hz (hertz)
Speed
wavelength x frequency
Frequency
speed / wavelength
Wave Length
speed / frequency
Sound / Ultrasound / Seismic-P
three types of longitudinal waves
Compression
where medium particles are close together
Rarefaction
where medium particles are spread out