A teacher demonstrates two types of wave using a long slinky spring stretched along the floor. In one demonstration, the teacher shakes the end of the spring from side to side. In the second demonstration, the teacher pushes and pulls the end of the spring back and forth along its length. State which type of wave is produced in each demonstration and explain how energy is transferred by a wave without any overall transfer of matter.

Eduqas A-Level Physics — 2.4 The nature of waves · State and Explain · 5 marks · View as Markdown

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

Model answer (5 marks)

1. Shaking the end side to side produces a transverse wave.
2. Pushing and pulling the end back and forth produces a longitudinal wave.
3. A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium.
4. The particles of the medium oscillate about their fixed equilibrium positions.
5. Energy is transferred from one particle to the next along the wave without the particles moving permanently from their original positions.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms ‘transverse’ and ‘longitudinal’ for the two waves.
  • Show the chain‑reaction mechanism of energy transfer in the explanation.
  • Keep the answer concise – each point should be a single sentence.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. Shaking the end side to side produces a transverse wave
  2. Pushing and pulling the end back and forth produces a longitudinal wave
  3. A wave is a disturbance / oscillation that travels through a medium (or through space)
  4. The particles of the medium oscillate / vibrate about their fixed (equilibrium / rest) positions
  5. Energy is passed from one particle to the next / transferred along the wave without the particles permanently moving from their original positions

Key terms in this question

matter

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