1. Characteristics of Waves

2. Wave- rhythmic disturbance that carry energy through matter or space.
There are 2 types of waves
Transverse Waves
Compressional or Longitudinal

3. Transverse wave- the medium moves at right angles to the direction that the wave travels. Ex: shaking a rope

4. Part of a transverse wave
Crest- highest point of the wave
Troughs- lowest point of the wave
Medium- material through which a wave transfers energy. It can be solid, liquid or gas
Amplitude- the distance from the crest (or trough) of the wave to the rest position of the medium.

5. Crest
Medium
Trough

6. Wavelength- the distance between the point of 1 wave to the same point on another wave.
Medium

7. Frequency- the number of wave crests that pass on place in a second.
-It is measured in hertz. (Hz)

8. Compressional or Longitudinal waves- the matter vibrates in the same direction as the wave travels.
Ex: a spring

9. Compression- crowded area (when the spring is together)
Rarefaction- expanded area (when the spring is apart)

10. Wavelength- made up of 1 compression and 1 rarefaction.