Answers to AQA GCSE Comparing Transverse and Longitudinal waves(Physics)
Practice Question
1.Draw two line diagrams to show the difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave
Longitudinal wave line diagram:
Transverse wave line diagram:
2. State 3 ways that longitudinal waves and transverse waves are different
Any 3 from the table below
| Characteristic | Transverse wave | Longitudinal wave |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Wave vibrates at 90 degrees to the direction in which the wave transfers energy | Wave vibrates along the direction in which the wave transfers energy |
| Line diagram contains | Peaks/Crests and Troughs | Compressions and Rarefactions |
| Travel through | Solids and vacuum (but not fluids) | Solids, liquids, gases |
| Medium needed | No (electromagnetic waves can travel in space) Some other transverse waves would need a medium to travel through | Yes (cannot travel in a vacuum) |
| Density | Always same | Density can change |
| Particle motion | Parallel to wave direction | Perpendicular to wave direction |
| Pressure | Pressure is always the same | Regions of high pressure and regions of low pressure |
3. State 3 ways that longitudinal waves and transverse waves are similar
Any three of the following:
Both transfer energy and information, but not matter
Both Have Wavelength, Frequency, and Amplitude
Both follow the wave speed equation; wave speed = frequency x wavelength
Both can be reflected and refracted
Both have wavefronts
Both can be absorbed.
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Accordion Content
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