Table of contents | |
Introduction to Transverse Waves | |
Transverse Waves | |
Longitudinal Waves | |
Transverse v Longitudinal Waves |
Transverse waves can be seen in a rope when it is moved quickly up and down
Transverse waves are represented as a continuous solid line
Longitudinal waves can be seen in a slinky spring when it is moved quickly backwards and forwards
Longitudinal waves are represented as sets of lines with rarefactions and compressions
Waves can be shown through vibrations in ropes or springs
Transverse Waves v Longitudinal Waves Table
Explain how the toy duck demonstrates that waves do not transfer matter.
Step 1: Identify the type of wave
- The type of wave on the surface of a body of water is a transverse wave
- This is because the duck is moving perpendicular to the direction of the wave
Step 2: Describe the motion of the toy duck
- The plastic duck moves up and down but does not travel with the wave
Step 3: Explain how this motion demonstrates that waves do not transfer matter
- Both transverse and longitudinal waves transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium
- This means when a wave travels between two points, no matter actually travels with it, the points on the wave just vibrate back and forth about fixed positions
- Objects floating on the water simply bob up and down when waves pass under them, demonstrating that there is no movement of matter in the direction of the wave, only energy
Exam Tip
Exam questions may ask you to describe waves and this is most easily done by drawing a diagram of the wave and then describing the parts of the wave - a good, clearly labelled diagram can earn you full marks!
Make sure you know the difference between the wave front diagram and the longitudinal wave diagram, do not confuse the two!
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