Topic 4.5: Transverse and longitudinal waves

What is a transverse wave?

A wave in which oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

What is a longitudinal wave?

A wave in which oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

Give an example of a transverse wave.

Electromagnetic waves, such as light.

Give an example of a longitudinal wave.

Sound waves in air.

Are electromagnetic waves transverse or longitudinal?

Transverse.

Are sound waves in air transverse or longitudinal?

Longitudinal.

What type of waves are seismic P-waves?

Longitudinal waves.

What type of waves are seismic S-waves?

Transverse waves.

What type of waves are water surface waves at GCSE level?

They are commonly modelled as transverse waves, although real water waves have more complex particle motion.

How do particles oscillate in a transverse wave?

Perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

How do particles oscillate in a longitudinal wave?

Parallel to the direction of wave travel.

What is the key difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

The direction of oscillation relative to the direction of energy transfer.