Ocean swells are an example of waves. In the Waves Gizmo, you will observe wave motion on a model of a spring. The hand can move the spring up and down or back and forth. To begin, check that the Type of wave is Transverse, Amplitude is 20.0 cm, Frequency is 0.75 Hz, Tension is 3.0 N, and Density is 1.0 kg/m. (Note: In this Gizmo, “density” refers to the linear mass density, or mass per unit length. It is measured in units of kilograms per meter.)
1. Click Play (). How would you describe the motion of a transverse wave? Click Pause (). Notice the crests (high points) and troughs (low points) of the wave.
2. Click Reset (). Choose the Longitudinal wave and increase the Amplitude to 20.0 cm. Click Play. How would you describe the motion of a longitudinal wave? Click Pause. Notice the compressions in the wave where the coils of the spring model are close together and the rarefactions where the coils are spread apart.