Wavelength is 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 the Figure 1.1. 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 the Figure 1.2. Compressions are the places where particles of the medium crowd close together as the energy of the wave passes through.  The wavelength of a wave is related to the waves energy. Short-wavelength waves have more energy than long- wavelength waves of the same amplitude. (Amplitude is a measure of how far particles of the medium move up and down or back and forth when a wave passes through them.) You can see examples of transverse waves with shorter and longer wavelengths in the Figure 1.3. A: Violet light has the greatest energy because it has the shortest wavelength.
Wavelength is 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 the Figure 1.1 . 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 the Figure 1.2 . Compressions are the places where particles of the medium crowd close together as the energy of the wave passes through . The wavelength of a wave is related to the waves energy . Short - wavelength waves have more energy than long- wavelength waves of the same amplitude . ( Amplitude is a measure of how far particles of the medium move up and down or back and forth when a wave passes through them . ) You can see examples of transverse waves with shorter and longer wavelengths in the Figure 1.3 . A : Violet light has the greatest energy because it has the shortest wavelength .
in a transverse wave, wavelength can be measured as the distance between
in a transverse wave , wavelength can be measured as the distance between
two adjacent crests.
two adjacent crests.