What type of wave is exhibited by amber waves of grain ?

[gerry73191]

What type of wave is exhibited by "amber waves of grain"?

Homework Statement

What type of wave is exhibited by "amber waves of grain"/

Homework Equations

Transverse waves move particles in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Longitudinal waves move particles in a direction parallel to the direction of the wave.

The Attempt at a Solution

I have no clue. I youtubed "amber waves of grain", but frankly I can't tell what it is.

Help please?

 

[Doc Al]

Imagine a field of tall grass rippling in the wind.

 

[gerry73191]

I'd have to guess, transverse, however, is the medium the grass or the air?

 

[Doc Al]

I'd have to guess, transverse, however, is the medium the grass or the air?

It's a wave of grass. Which way does the grass move compared to the way the wave moves?

Here's a video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2463745023596275785&q=amber+waves+of+grain&ei=e-cMSPiwFZKc4gKltNSsBA&hl=en

 

[gerry73191]

Oh, the grass moves in the direction of the wave and thus would be a longitudinal wave.

Could you also say that the period of time when the grass is bent represents the compressions and the period of time it returns to its erect position is the rarefaction?

 

[Doc Al]

Oh, the grass moves in the direction of the wave and thus would be a longitudinal wave.

Good!

Could you also say that the period of time when the grass is bent represents the compressions and the period of time it returns to its erect position is the rarefaction?

Something like that. When the grass squashes together would be a compression.

 

[gerry73191]

thank you.