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
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
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 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!
Which statement is correct?
