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Unit 3 Lesson 2- Properties of Mechanical Waves

Transverse Waves: 

For transverse waves, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave. As the energy of the wave passes through the medium, particles move slowly up and down from their original position. The particles move farther away from their original position when there is more energy. Higher wave height means higher amplitudes and greater energy. Lower wave height indicates less energy moving through the wave.

The wavelength of a transverse wave is the distance from one crest, the highest point of the wave, to the next crest. The greater the distance between each crest, the longer the wavelength. As the wavelength increases, there are fewer wave cycles over time, and, therefore, the frequency of the wave decreases. As the wavelength decreases, the frequency of the wave increases.

Longitudinal Waves:

For longitudinal waves, the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave. As the energy of the wave passes through the medium, the particles compress and then separate as the energy moves through the wave. Less displacement of the particles from the original position means less energy through the wave. This means a lower amplitude wave. More energy causes more displacement of the particles from their original position.

The wavelength of a longitudinal wave is the distance from one point on the compression (where the particles are the closest) to the same point on the next compression. The greater the distance between each compression, the longer the wavelength. As the wavelength increases, there are fewer compressions over time, and, therefore, the frequency of the wave decreases. As the wavelength decreases, the frequency of the wave increases (more compressions over time).

Speed of a wave is Speed= Wavelength x Frequency

Periodic Motion- Any motion that repeats at regular time intervals

Period- The time required for a cycle