Transverse & Longitudinal Waves (Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics)
Revision Note
Written by: Leander Oates
Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll
Transverse Waves
Waves are disturbances caused by an oscillating source that transfer energy and information without transferring matter
Waves can exist as one of two types:
Transverse
Longitudinal
Transverse waves have vibrations that are at 90° to the direction of wave travel (and energy transfer)
Transverse waves:
Oscillate perpendicularly to the direction of travel
Transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium
Mechanical waves move in solids and on the surfaces of liquids but not through liquids or gases
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that can move in solids, liquids, 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
Example of a transverse wave
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)
Longitudinal Waves
Longitudinal waves have vibrations that are parallel to the direction of wave travel (and energy transfer)
Longitudinal waves:
Oscillate in the same direction as the direction of wave travel
Transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium
Move in solids, liquids and gases
Cannot 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
Example of a longitudinal wave
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
Worked Example
Both transverse and longitudinal waves can travel on the surface of water. The diagram below shows a toy duck bobbing up and down on top of the surface of some water.
Explain how the toy duck demonstrates that waves do not transfer matter.
Answer:
Step 1: Identify the type of wave
The type of wave on the surface of a body of water is a transverse wave
This is because the duck is moving perpendicular to the direction of the wave
Step 2: Describe the motion of the toy duck
The plastic duck moves up and down but does not travel with the wave
Step 3: Explain how this motion demonstrates that waves do not transfer matter
Both transverse and longitudinal waves transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium
This means when a wave travels between two points, no matter actually travels with it, the points on the wave just vibrate back and forth about fixed positions
Objects floating on the water simply bob up and down when waves pass under them, demonstrating that there is no movement of matter in the direction of the wave, only energy
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The key difference between transverse and longitudinal waves is the direction of the vibrations with respect to the direction of the wave itself. For transverse waves, these are perpendicular to each other, whilst for longitudinal waves, these are parallel.
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