4.6.1.1 Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Question 1

Wave:

Answer 1

• an oscillation that moves through a medium
• a wave transfers energy from one place to another but does not transfer matter

Question 2

What are the two types of waves?

Answer 2

• transverse waves
• longitudinal waves

Question 3

What is it that moves when a wave passes through a medium

Answer 3

• for both types of waves (longitudinal and transverse) it is the wave and not the water of air that travels
• e.g. water wave has a moving wave, but water doesn’t keep moving with it

Question 4

Transverse wave:

Answer 4

• oscillations (of particles) are perpendicular to the direction of the wave + energy transfer
• have peaks and troughs

Question 5

Examples of transverse waves:

Answer 5

• ripples on water surface
• light
• any electromagnetic wave

Question 6

Longitudinal waves:

Answer 6

• the oscillations of particles are parallel to the direction of the energy transfer of the wave
• don’t travel through vacuums as they require particles (a medium)
• have compressions and rarefactions

Question 7

What do longitudinal waves show?

Answer 7

longitudinal waves show areas of compression and rarefaction

Question 8

Examples of longitudinal waves:

Answer 8

• sound waves travelling through air

Question 9

What is the evidence that for ripples on a surface and sound waves in the air that it is the wave that moves and not the water or the air itself?

Answer 9

• water doesn’t all end up on one side of the ripple tank
• air particles don’t all end up one side of the room