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6 (a) Describe, in terms of vibrations, the difference between a longitudinal and a transverse wave - OCR - A-Level Physics A - Question 6 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 6
6 (a) Describe, in terms of vibrations, the difference between a longitudinal and a transverse wave. Give one example of each wave. A longitudinal wave is character... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6 (a) Describe, in terms of vibrations, the difference between a longitudinal and a transverse wave - OCR - A-Level Physics A - Question 6 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe, in terms of vibrations, the difference between a longitudinal and a transverse wave. Give one example of each wave.
Answer
In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium vibrate in the same direction as the wave travels. This creates areas of compression and rarefaction, such as in sound waves. In a transverse wave, the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, resulting in crests and troughs, like with surface waves on water.
Step 2
Explain how a stationary wave is formed in the tube.
Answer
When the sound frequency is increased from zero, certain frequencies cause the air column in the closed tube to resonate. A stationary wave forms when the incident wave from the loudspeaker reflects off the closed end of the tube. The reflected wave interferes with the incoming wave, creating nodes (points of no displacement) and antinodes (points of maximum amplitude) within the tube. The constructive and destructive interference of the waves leads to the formation of a stationary wave, thus amplifying the sound heard by the listener.