Longitudinal and transverse waves

• Entry Level Certificate
• Learning objectives


  Know what longitudinal waves are<|>Know what transverse waves are<|>Know how to identify longitudinal and transverse waves
• Waves


  Involve oscillations (vibrations) and transfer energy from one place to another
• Waves transfer energy without moving matter from place to place
• Types of waves


  • Transverse waves
  • Longitudinal waves
• Transverse waves


  Oscillations are perpendicular at right angles to the direction of energy transfer
• Water waves and light waves are examples of transverse waves
• Longitudinal waves


  Oscillations are parallel (along the same line) to the direction of energy transfer
• Sound waves are an example of longitudinal waves
• Compressions


  Areas where the coils are squashed together in longitudinal waves
• Rarefactions


  Areas where the coils are stretched apart in longitudinal waves
• Waves transfer energy without transferring matter
• In transverse waves the oscillation of the particles is perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
• In longitudinal waves the particles oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer
• Water waves are transverse waves
• Sound waves are longitudinal waves
• Light waves are not longitudinal waves
• Students demonstrate a wave by moving a rope up and down
• The direction of energy transfer in the rope wave is along the length of the rope
• A ribbon tied half-way along the rope will move up and down