Physics Topic Practice

GCSE Physics Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Waves transfer energy without transferring matter. They can be classified as either transverse or longitudinal.

Can you name one type of longitudinal wave?

What is Transverse and Longitudinal Waves?

"Transverse waves have oscillations at right angles to energy transfer, while longitudinal waves oscillate in the same direction."

Question 1

Which of these is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Question 2

In a transverse wave, the oscillations are ____ to the direction of energy transfer.

Question 3

Which of these is NOT a transverse wave?

Wave Characteristics

Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

Longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer (e.g. sound).

All waves have amplitude, wavelength, and frequency.

Wave speed = frequency × wavelength.

Exam Tip

Light and all EM waves are transverse; sound is longitudinal.

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