| A | B |
|---|
| Wave | Transfers energy without transferring the matter that carries the energy |
| Mechanical wave | Requires a medium such as air, water or a solid substance |
| Electromagnetic wave | Can transport energy throught emply space |
| Period | The time required for one complete cycle of the wave |
| Frequency | The number of cycles of the wave that pass a given point per unit time; example: cycles per second |
| Wavelength | The length of the wave from the start to finish of one complete cycle |
| Longitudinal wave | A sound wave for example |
| Transverse wave | Particles in the medium travel at right angles to the direction of energy flow |
