Transverse & Longitudinal Waves (Edexcel GCSE Physics: Combined Science)

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Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

  • Waves are repeated vibrations that transfer energy
  • Energy is transferred by parts of the wave knocking nearby parts
    • This is similar to the effect of people knocking into one another in a crowd, or a "Mexican Wave" at football matches

  • Waves can exist as one of two types:
    • Transverse
    • Longitudinal

Transverse Waves

  • Transverse waves are defined as:

Waves where the points along its length vibrate at 90 degrees to the direction of energy transfer

  • For a transverse wave:
    • The energy transfer is perpendicular to wave motion
    • They transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium
    • They can move in solids and on the surfaces of liquids but not inside liquids or gases
    • Some transverse waves (electromagnetic waves) can move in solids, liquids and gases and in a vacuum

  • The point on the wave that is:
    • The highest above the rest position is called the peak, or crest
    • The lowest below the rest position is called the trough

Transverse waves can be seen in a rope when it is moved quickly up and down

  • Examples of transverse waves are:
    • Ripples on the surface of water
    • Vibrations in a guitar string
    • S-waves (a type of seismic wave)
    • Electromagnetic waves (such as radio, light, X-rays etc)

Representing Transverse Waves

  • Transverse waves are drawn as a single continuous line, usually with a central line showing the undisturbed position
  • The curves are drawn so that they are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
    • These represent the peaks and troughs

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

Transverse waves are represented as a continuous solid line

Longitudinal Waves

  • Longitudinal waves are defined as:

Waves where the points along its length vibrate parallel to the direction of energy transfer

  • For a longitudinal wave:
    • The energy transfer is in the same direction as the wave motion
    • They transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium
    • They can move in solids, liquids and gases
    • They can not move in a vacuum (since there are no particles)

  • The key features of a longitudinal wave are where the points are:
    • Close together, called compressions
    • Spaced apart, called rarefactions

Longitudinal Wave Vibration Spring, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Longitudinal waves can be seen in a slinky spring when it is moved quickly backwards and forwards

  • Examples of longitudinal waves are:
    • Sound waves
    • P-waves (a type of seismic wave)
    • Pressure waves caused by repeated movements in a liquid or gas

Representing Longitudinal Waves

  • Longitudinal waves are usually drawn as several lines to show that the wave is moving parallel to the direction of energy transfer
    • Drawing the lines closer together represents the compressions
    • Drawing the lines further apart represents the rarefactions

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

Longitudinal waves are represented as sets of lines with rarefactions and compressions

Comparing Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

  • Wave vibrations can be shown on ropes (transverse) and springs (longitudinal)

Wave on rope and spring, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Waves can be shown through vibrations in ropes or springs

  • The different properties of transverse and longitudinal waves are shown in the table:

Transverse Waves v Longitudinal Waves TableLongitudinal v Transverse Table, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Worked example

The diagram below shows the direction of a P-wave in a sample of rock during an earthquake.WE P-waves in rocks question image, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notesDraw arrows on the diagram to show how the piece of rock, labelled R, moves as the P-wave passes through it.

Step 1: Recall if a P-wave is transverse or longitudinal

    • P-waves are longitudinal waves

Step 2: Recall the definition of longitudinal waves

    • Points along longitudinal waves vibrate parallel to the direction of energy transfer
    • This means the rock vibrates in a line parallel to the direction of the P-wave drawn

Step 3: Draw arrows at the point labelled R to show it vibrating in parallel to the direction of the P-wave

    • This is shown in the image below

WE P-waves in rocks solution image, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Examiner Tip

Exam questions may ask you to describe waves and this is most easily done by drawing a diagram of the wave and then describing the parts of the wave - a good, clearly labelled diagram can earn you full marks! Make sure you know the difference between the wavefront diagram and the longitudinal wave diagram, do not confuse the two!

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.