Waves

Waves

1. Transverse and Longitudinal waves

   • Transverse Waves
     • Transverse Waves have sideways vibrations - the oscillations (vibrations) are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
     • The oscillations (vibrations) are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
     • Include: All electromagnetic waves, ripples and waves in water, and a wave on a string
   • Longitudinal waves
     • The oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
     • Includes: sound waves in air (ultrasound) and shock waves (e.g. seismic waves)

2. Experiments with waves

   • Oscilloscopes
     • These can measure the speed of sound