Wave

What is a wave?
• Waves transfer energy, but do not transfer
matter.

Mechanical Waves
• Mechanical waves require a medium in which
to travel.
• When a transverse wave travels, particles of
the medium move at right angles to the direction
the wave is traveling.
• When a compressional wave travels, particles
of the medium move back and forth along the
same direction the wave is traveling.
• Sound is a compressional wave.

Electromagnetic Waves
• Electromagnetic waves can travel through
empty space.
• The Sun emits different types of electromagnetic
waves, including infrared, visible light,
and ultraviolet waves.