5.27. Wavelength http://www.ck12.org
5.27 Wavelength
- Define wavelength.
- Describe the wavelength of transverse and longitudinal waves.
- Relate wavelength to the energy of a wave.
Nobody really has such colorful eyes! The colors were added digitally after the photo was taken. They represent all
the different colors of light. Light is a form of energy that travels in waves. Light of different colors has different
wavelengths.
Defining Wavelength
Wavelengthis one way of measuring the size of waves. It is the distance between two corresponding points on
adjacent waves, and it is usually measured in meters. How it is measured is a little different for transverse and
longitudinal waves.
- In a transverse wave, particles of the medium vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction that the wave
travels. The wavelength of a transverse wave can be measured as the distance between two adjacent crests, or
high points, as shown in theFigure5.55. - In a longitudinal wave, particles of matter vibrate back and forth in the same direction that the wave travels.
The wavelength of a longitudinal wave can be measured as the distance between two adjacent compressions,
as shown in theFigure5.56. Compressions are the places where particles of the medium crowd close together
as the energy of the wave passes through.
At the following URL, watch the animation to see examples of wavelength. Also, get a feel for wavelength by
playing with the wave generator. http://earthguide.ucsd.edu/wav/wavelength.html