4.6 Waves - (Transverse and Longitudinal waves)

Question 1

Give an example of a transverse wave.

Answer 1

• Ripples on a water surface
• Electromagnetic waves
• A wave on a string

Question 2

Give an example of a longitudinal wave.

Answer 2

• Soundwaves travelling through air
• Shockwaves

Question 3

Describe the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves.

Answer 3

• Longitudinal waves have a compression and rarefaction, while the transverse wave has a crest and a trough.
• Longitudinal waves have a pressure variation, while transverse waves don’t.

Question 4

Describe transverse waves.
- oscillations

Answer 4

• The oscillations are perpendicular at 90 degrees to the direction of energy transfer

Question 5

Describe longitudinal waves.
- oscillations

Answer 5

• The oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer

Question 6

Describe evidence that for both ripples on a water surface and sound wave in air, it is a wave and not the water or air itself that travels.