Transverse and compressional (longitudinal) waves are similar because have a frequency (and therefore a period), and a wavelength. that can be calculated.

Waves come in either two major categories: electromagnetic or mechanical. Electromagnetic waves are light waves. They are energized particles that travel very quickly. They do not need a medium to travel, which means that they can travel through outer space where there is no matter. Mechanical waves are waves that require a medium (matter) to travel. These waves are considered to have two major shapes: transverse and compressional.

For waves we can peform calculations using two equations:

##f = 1/T## Frequency is the inverse of the time it takes for one cycle of the wave to occur. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).

The other important equation is:

##v = lambda*f##

This equation tells us that the speed of the wave (v) is proportional to the wavelength (lambda) multiplied by its frequency.

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