Longitudinal and Transverse Waves

Question 1

What is a transverse wave?

Answer 1

• A wave in which the particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of the wave travel and energy transfer
• They show areas of peaks and troughs
• A transverse wave can be polarised

Question 2

Give two examples of transverse waves

Answer 2

• Electromagnetic waves (e.g visible light and gamma ray)
• Vibration on a guitar string

Question 3

What is a longitudinal wave?

Answer 3

• A wave in which the particles oscillate parallel to the direction of the wave travel and energy transfer
• They show areas of rarefactions and compressions (Compressions are regions of increased pressure and rarefactions are regions of decreased pressure)
• A longitudinal wave can’t be polarised

Question 4

Give two examples of longitudinal waves

Answer 4

• Sound waves
• Ultrasound waves

Question 5

How is energy transmitted in a longitudinal wave?

Answer 5

• The particles in the medium vibrate as they are given energy
• The compressions cause the nearby particles to also vibrate with more energy
• This produces a compression further along in the medium