Waves: Transverse, Longitudinal and Key Properties

What Is a Wave?

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without transferring matter permanently.

Types of Waves

• Transverse waves: particles vibrate perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of wave travel, e.g. light waves, water ripples.
• Longitudinal waves: particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel, e.g. sound waves.

Key Wave Properties

• Amplitude: maximum displacement from the rest position.
• Wavelength (λ): distance between two successive identical points, e.g. crest to crest.
• Frequency (f): number of complete waves passing a point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
• Period (T): time taken for one complete wave, T = 1/f.
• Wave speed (v): v = f × λ.

Mechanical vs Electromagnetic Waves

Mechanical waves (sound, water waves) need a medium to travel through. Electromagnetic waves (light, radio, X-rays) can travel through a vacuum.