QUESTION IMAGE
Question
wave characteristic
does the wave move horizontally from left to right? (yes or no)
what is the direction of the wave source compared to the wave movement? (parallel or perpendicular)
does it require a medium? (yes or no)
what happens to the wavelength when velocity increases? (increases or decreases)
what happens to the wavelength when velocity decreases? (increases or decreases)
are there areas of compression? (yes or no)
are there areas of rarefaction? (yes or no)
type of wave
longitudinal wave
transverse wave
Step1: Recall wave direction rule
All propagating waves can move horizontally left-right.
Step2: Differentiate wave source direction
Longitudinal: source moves parallel to wave; Transverse: source moves perpendicular to wave.
Step3: Medium requirement
Longitudinal waves (e.g., sound) need a medium; electromagnetic transverse waves do not, mechanical transverse waves do.
Step4: Relate velocity, frequency, wavelength
Use wave equation $v = f\lambda$. For constant frequency, $\lambda \propto v$.
Step5: Compression/rarefaction definition
Longitudinal waves have compressed/rarefied medium regions; transverse waves do not.
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| Wave Characteristic | Longitudinal Wave | Transverse Wave |
|---|---|---|
| What is the direction of the wave source compared to the wave movement? (Parallel or perpendicular) | Parallel | Perpendicular |
| Does it require a medium? (Yes or no) | Yes | No (electromagnetic transverse waves) / Yes (mechanical transverse waves, e.g., water waves) |
| What happens to the wavelength when velocity increases? (Increases or decreases) | Increases | Increases |
| What happens to the wavelength when velocity decreases? (Increases or decreases) | Decreases | Decreases |
| Are there areas of compression? (Yes or no) | Yes | No |
| Are there areas of rarefaction? (Yes or no) | Yes | No |