Transverse waves move particles perpendicular to the direction of wave motion. A crest is the highest point and a trough is the lowest point of a wave's oscillation. The amplitude is the maximum displacement of a particle from its resting position, either to a crest or trough, while wavelength is the distance between two points in phase. Period is the time for one wavelength to pass a fixed point, frequency is the number of waves passing in one second, and speed is the distance traveled per unit of time.

1. 8. Transverse waves Physics: Waves, sound and light Grade 10

2. Transverse waves A wave is formed when a continuous number of pulses are transmitted through a medium.

3. In a transverse wave, the particles move perpendicular to the motion of the wave.

4. Crests and troughs A crest is the highest point a particle in the medium rises to.

5. A trough is the lowest point a particle in the medium sinks to.

6. Amplitude The amplitude (A) is the maximum distance from equilibrium position to a crest (or trough), or the maximum displacement of a particle in a wave from its position of rest. The amplitude is measured in metres (m).

7. Wavelength The wavelength is the distance between any two adjacent points on a wave that are in phase. It is measured in metres.