Properties of Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
- In mechanical waves, particles oscillate about fixed points
- The direction of oscillation relative to the direction of wave travel determines the type of wave it is
Transverse waves
- A transverse wave is one where the particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of the wave travel (and energy transfer)
- Transverse waves show areas of crests (peaks) and troughs
Crests and Troughs of a Transverse Wave
Diagram of a transverse wave
- Examples of transverse waves are:
- Electromagnetic waves e.g. radio, visible light, UV
- Vibrations on a guitar string
- These can be shown on a rope
- Transverse waves can be polarised
Longitudinal waves
- A longitudinal wave is one where the particles oscillate parallel to the direction of the wave travel (and energy transfer)
- Longitudinal waves show areas of compressions and rarefactions
Rarefactions and Compressions of a Longitudinal Wave
Diagram of a longitudinal wave
- Examples of longitudinal waves are:
- Sound waves
- Ultrasound waves
- These can be shown on a slinky spring
- Longitudinal waves cannot be polarised
- The diagram below shows the equivalent of a wavelength on a longitudinal wave
Comparing Wavelengths of Longitudinal and Transverse Waves
Wavelength shown on a longitudinal wave
Exam Tip
The definitions of transverse and longitudinal waves are often asked as exam questions, make sure to remember these by heart!
The properties of waves you learned about in General Wave Properties, such as amplitude and wavelength, all apply to transverse and longitudinal waves