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First teaching 2020

Last exams 2024

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Transverse & Longitudinal Waves (CIE AS Physics)

Revision Note

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Katie M

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Properties of Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

  • In mechanical waves, particles oscillate about fixed points
  • The direction of oscillations with regards to the direction of wave travel determine what type of wave it is

 

Transverse waves

  • A transverse wave is one where the particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of the wave travel (and energy transfer)
  • Transverse waves show areas of crests (peaks) and troughs

Transverse wave diagram, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Diagram of a transverse wave

 
  • Examples of transverse waves are:
    • Electromagnetic waves e.g. radio, visible light, UV
    • Vibrations on a guitar string

  • These can be shown on a rope
  • Transverse waves can be polarised

 

Longitudinal waves

  • A longitudinal wave is one where the particles oscillate parallel to the direction of the wave travel (and energy transfer)
  • Longitudinal waves show areas of compressions and rarefactions

Longitudinal wave diagram, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Diagram of a longitudinal wave

 
  • Examples of longitudinal waves are:
    • Sound waves
    • Ultrasound waves

  • These can be shown on a slinky spring
  • Longitudinal waves cannot be polarised
  • You will have learned how to analyse the properties of a wave, such as amplitude and wavelength, in “General Wave Properties”
  • The diagram below shows the equivalent of a wavelength on a longitudinal wave

Wavelength on transverse and longitudinal waves, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Wavelength shown on a longitudinal wave

 

Examiner Tip

The definition of transverse and longitudinal waves are often asked as exam questions, make sure to remember these definitions by heart!

Worked example

Graphical Representations of Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

The graph shows how the displacement of a particle in a wave varies with time.Which statement is correct?

A. The wave has an amplitude of 2 cm and could be either transverse or longitudinal.

B. The wave has an amplitude of 2 cm and has a time period of 6 s.

C. The wave has an amplitude of 4 cm and has a time period of 4 s.

D. The wave has an amplitude of 4 cm and must be transverse.

ANSWER:   A

Worked example - transverse and longitudinal wave (2), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Examiner Tip

Both transverse and longitudinal waves can look like transverse waves when plotted on a graph - make sure you read the question and look for whether the wave travels parallel (longitudinal) or perpendicular (transverse) to the direction of travel to confirm which type of wave it is.

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.