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Transverse & Longitudinal Waves (Edexcel GCSE Physics: Combined Science)
Revision Note
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 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 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 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)
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 Table
Worked example
The diagram below shows the direction of a P-wave in a sample of rock during an earthquake.Draw 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
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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