A student makes waves on a rope by moving one end up and down repeatedly. Describe the nature of these waves, including how energy is transferred and what happens to the particles of the rope as the wave travels along it.

WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 2.4 The nature of waves · Describe · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (5 marks)

The waves are transverse waves.
The particles of the rope vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Energy is transferred along the rope in the direction the wave travels.
The particles themselves do not move with the wave; there is no net transport of matter.
The wave is a mechanical wave and therefore requires the rope as a medium.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘transverse’ and ‘perpendicular’ to show understanding of wave type.
  • Explain that energy moves along the rope but particles only oscillate.
  • Mention that the rope is the medium, emphasising it is a mechanical wave.

Common mistakes

  • Calling the wave longitudinal instead of transverse.
  • Saying the particles move along the rope instead of only oscillating.
  • Omitting that the wave needs a medium to propagate.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. The waves are transverse waves
  2. The particles of the rope vibrate/oscillate at right angles (perpendicular) to the direction the wave travels
  3. Energy is transferred in the direction the wave travels / along the rope
  4. The particles themselves do not travel with the wave / there is no net movement of matter along the rope
  5. The wave is a mechanical wave / requires a medium (the rope) to travel through

Related

More The nature of waves questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →