Wave parameters and behaviours
What is a wave?
A waveSomething that can transfer energy. is something that transfers energy from one point to another. For example, a sound wave transfers energy from a loudspeaker to your ear. Sound and water waves require particles to vibrate to allow energy to be transferred.
There are two types of wave:
- transverse waveA wave that moves in a direction at right angles to the way in which the particles are vibrating.
- longitudinal waveA wave that moves in the same direction as the direction in which the particles are vibrating.