AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
The ripples on a water surface are an example of a transverse wave.
Full specification wording
Transverse and longitudinal waves: The ripples on a water surface are an example of a transverse wave.
A transverse wave transfers energy without transferring matter, and its oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy travel.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 5
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A transverse wave transfers energy without transferring matter, and its oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy travel. Water-surface ripples demonstrate this: a floating cork bobs up and down while the ripple pattern moves horizontally across the surface, so the particles oscillate vertically while the wave travels horizontally. The wave carries energy from a disturbance, such as a dropped stone, outwards, but the water itself does not travel with the wave. You can identify transverse waves by their perpendicular oscillation and by features such as crests and troughs. Other examples include waves on a rope shaken up and down and all electromagnetic waves. In an exam, describe the direction of vibration relative to energy transfer and use the cork or crest-and-trough pattern as evidence.
What earns the marks
- State that a transverse wave has oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
- Describe water ripples as a transverse wave in which surface particles move up and down while the wave travels horizontally.
- Explain that the wave transfers energy across the surface without transferring water from one place to another.
- Use a floating object, such as a cork, bobbing vertically as evidence that the oscillation is perpendicular to the wave direction.
- Identify crests and troughs as the high and low points of a transverse water wave.
- Compare water ripples with another transverse example, such as a wave on a rope or an electromagnetic wave.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying the water travels along with the wave.
Put it right by stating that energy is transferred while the water particles oscillate about fixed positions.
Describing the oscillation as parallel to the wave direction.
Put it right by stating that transverse oscillations are perpendicular to energy transfer.
Confusing crests with compressions.
Put it right by reserving crest and trough for transverse waves and compression and rarefaction for longitudinal waves.
Exam tips
- Define transverse by the perpendicular relationship between oscillation and energy transfer before giving the water-ripple example.
- Use a labelled diagram or a described cork to show the vertical oscillation and horizontal wave travel.
- Link the example to energy transfer without matter transfer, since this is the key property of all waves.
Try the lesson
The start of the Transverse and longitudinal waves: The ripples on a water surface are an example of a transverse wave. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which statement describes the movement of the particles in the water as a transverse wave travels across the surface?
Listen
A transverse wave transfers energy without transferring matter, and its oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy travel. Water-surface ripples demonstrate this: a floating cork bobs up and down while the ripple pattern moves horizontally across the surface, so the particles oscillate vertically while the wave travels horizontally. The wave carries energy from a disturbance, such as a dropped stone, outwards, but the water itself does not travel with the wave. You can identify transverse waves by their perpendicular oscillation and by features such as crests and troughs. Other examples include waves on a rope shaken up and down and all electromagnetic waves. In an exam, describe the direction of vibration relative to energy transfer and use the cork or crest-and-trough pattern as evidence. A strong answer earns marks for these points. State that a transverse wave has oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. Describe water ripples as a transverse wave in which surface particles move up and down while the wave travels horizontally. Explain that the wave transfers energy across the surface without transferring water from one place to another. Use a floating object, such as a cork, bobbing vertically as evidence that the oscillation is perpendicular to the wave direction. A common slip: Saying the water travels along with the wave. Instead, stating that energy is transferred while the water particles oscillate about fixed positions. Exam tip: Define transverse by the perpendicular relationship between oscillation and energy transfer before giving the water-ripple example.
See it
Key words
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Transverse wave
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Crests and troughs
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See every definition
- Transverse wave
- A wave that transfers energy without transferring matter, and whose oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy travel.
- Crests and troughs
- The high and low points of a transverse water wave.
Label the diagram
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