Transverse & Longitudinal Waves Simplified Revision Notes for GCSE AQA Physics Combined Science

Revision notes with simplified explanations to understand Transverse & Longitudinal Waves quickly and effectively.

Learn about Waves in Air, Fluids & Solids for your GCSE Physics Combined Science Exam. This Revision Note includes a summary of Waves in Air, Fluids & Solids for easy recall in your Physics Combined Science exam

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6.1.1 Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

All waves transfer energy from one place to another.
Waves move in oscillations.

Transverse Waves

lightbulbExample

Example: Ripples on the surface of water.

In transverse waves, the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
The oscillations are up and down, but the direction of energy transfer is sideways.

Longitudinal Waves

lightbulbExample

Example: Sound waves travelling through air.

Sound waves travel as particles in the air move from side to side.
- Compressions: Regions where the air particles are very close together.
- Rarefactions: Regions between compressions where the air particles are more spread out.
In longitudinal waves, the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
All longitudinal waves require a medium to travel in (air, liquid, solid).

infoNote

Note

It is the wave that travels and not the medium.

Types of Waves

Transverse Waves

lightbulbExample

Examples: Light, or any electromagnetic wave

Have peaks and troughs
Vibrations are at right angles to the direction of travel

Longitudinal Waves

lightbulbExample

Examples: Sound waves

Have compressions and rarefactions
Vibrations are in the same direction as the direction of travel
For both types, the wave moves and not whatever it passes through

lightbulbExample

Examples: A water wave has a moving wave, but the water doesn't keep moving with it

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