Explain the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave. In your answer, refer to the direction of vibration of particles relative to the direction of wave travel.

Eduqas A-Level Physics — 2.5 Wave properties · Explain · 5 marks · View as Markdown

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

Model answer (5 marks)

In a transverse wave the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. For example, light waves and water waves are transverse.
In a longitudinal wave the particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel. Sound waves are a typical longitudinal wave, showing alternating compressions and rarefactions.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘perpendicular’ for transverse and ‘parallel’ for longitudinal. Give one correct example of each type. Mention compressions/rarefactions for longitudinal waves.
  • common_mistakes
  • :
  • Confusing the direction of vibration with the direction of wave travel. Giving an incorrect example, e.g. stating that light is longitudinal.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. In a transverse wave, particles vibrate perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of wave travel
  2. In a longitudinal wave, particles vibrate parallel to (along) the direction of wave travel
  3. A correct named example of a transverse wave (e.g. light, water waves, electromagnetic waves)
  4. A correct named example of a longitudinal wave (e.g. sound, ultrasound, seismic P-waves)
  5. Longitudinal waves have compressions and rarefactions (regions where particles are pushed together and spread apart)

Key terms in this question

transverse wave · longitudinal wave · vibration

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