Transverse Waves
The second type of wave is a transverse wave. Transverse waves are waves in which the particles of the medium vibrate with an up and down motion. Particles in a transverse wave move perpendicular to the direction that the wave is traveling. The crest is the highest point of a transverse wave. The trough is the lowest point of a transverse wave.
Creating Transverse WavesFor this activity you need a spring toy such as a Slinky. A piece of rope will also work if you can’t find a spring toy. Have your assistant help you stretch the spring toy, or rope, as in the previous activity. Quickly snap your arm once from side-to-side. You should clearly see a hump travel through the spring toy, from you to your assistant. Unlike compression waves, your arm movement was perpendicular to the direction the wave travelled. |