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.
