This deep dive covers Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves within Wave Properties for GCSE Physics. Revise Wave Properties in Waves for GCSE Physics with 21 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 13 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🌊 Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves
All waves fall into one of two categories based on how particles vibrate relative to the direction the wave travels.
Transverse waves
Particles oscillate perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of wave travel. Examples: light, water waves, all EM waves. You can see this in a rope — shake it side to side and the wave moves along while the rope itself only moves up and down.
Longitudinal waves
Particles oscillate parallel (along the same direction) to the direction of wave travel. They produce compressions (particles squashed together) and rarefactions (particles spread apart). Sound is a longitudinal wave — air molecules are pushed back and forth, not sideways.
Practice questions for Wave Properties
What do waves transfer from one place to another?
Explain the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave.