Difference between crest and compression and also between trough and r...
Crest is the maximum displacement of a particle of a medium perpendicular to the wave.
Compression is the zone where the particles are highly concentrated and have a high density of particles of a medium.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 9 courses
Difference between crest and compression and also between trough and r...
Introduction:
In the context of waves, crest and trough refer to the highest and lowest points of a wave, respectively. On the other hand, compression and rarefaction are terms used specifically in the context of longitudinal waves, which are waves that travel in the same direction as the oscillations. Here, we will explore the differences between crest and compression, as well as trough and rarefaction.
Differences between Crest and Compression:
1. Definition:
- Crest: The crest of a wave is the highest point or peak of the wave.
- Compression: Compression refers to the region of a longitudinal wave where the particles are densely packed together, resulting in high pressure.
2. Occurrence:
- Crest: Crests occur in transverse waves, which are waves that oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
- Compression: Compressions occur in longitudinal waves, where the particles oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation.
3. Particle Motion:
- Crest: In a transverse wave, particles move perpendicular to the wave's direction.
- Compression: In a longitudinal wave, particles move parallel to the wave's direction.
4. Amplitude:
- Crest: The amplitude of a wave is the distance from the equilibrium position (midpoint) to the crest.
- Compression: The amplitude of a compression in a longitudinal wave corresponds to the maximum displacement of particles from their equilibrium position.
5. Representation:
- Crest: On a waveform diagram, the crest is represented by the highest point on the graph.
- Compression: On a waveform diagram, compressions are represented by regions where the waveform is compressed or condensed.
Differences between Trough and Rarefaction:
1. Definition:
- Trough: The trough of a wave is the lowest point or valley of the wave.
- Rarefaction: Rarefaction refers to the region of a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread out, resulting in low pressure.
2. Occurrence:
- Trough: Troughs occur in transverse waves, where the particles oscillate perpendicular to the wave's direction.
- Rarefaction: Rarefactions occur in longitudinal waves, where the particles oscillate parallel to the wave's direction.
3. Particle Motion:
- Trough: In a transverse wave, particles move perpendicular to the wave's direction.
- Rarefaction: In a longitudinal wave, particles move parallel to the wave's direction.
4. Amplitude:
- Trough: The amplitude of a wave is the distance from the equilibrium position (midpoint) to the trough.
- Rarefaction: The amplitude of a rarefaction in a longitudinal wave corresponds to the maximum displacement of particles from their equilibrium position.
5. Representation:
- Trough: On a waveform diagram, the trough is represented by the lowest point on the graph.
- Rarefaction: On a waveform diagram, rarefactions are represented by regions where the waveform is less dense or spread out.
Conclusion:
In summary, crest and trough are associated with transverse waves, while compression and rarefaction are associated with longitudinal waves. Crests and troughs represent the highest
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 9 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 9.