Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 1PH0 · Version from Sept 2016
Describe the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves by…
Full specification wording
Topic 4 – Waves: 4.5 Describe the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves by referring to sound, electromagnetic, seismic and water waves
This criterion asks you to describe how longitudinal and transverse waves differ and to classify named examples.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PH0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 5 of 15
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This criterion asks you to describe how longitudinal and transverse waves differ and to classify named examples. In a transverse wave the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer; in a longitudinal wave the oscillations are parallel to it, producing compressions and rarefactions. Sound waves in air are longitudinal. Electromagnetic waves are transverse. Seismic waves include both types: P-waves are longitudinal and S-waves are transverse. Water waves at a surface are mainly transverse, with the particles moving up and down as the wave travels horizontally. In a multiple-choice question, decide the oscillation direction relative to travel for each option, then check the named example matches. Eliminate options that call sound transverse or that treat all seismic waves as one type.
What earns the marks
- States that transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
- States that longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer, forming compressions and rarefactions.
- Classifies sound as longitudinal and electromagnetic waves as transverse.
- Distinguishes seismic P-waves as longitudinal from S-waves as transverse, and treats surface water waves as mainly transverse.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Describes sound as a transverse wave.
Put it right: Classify sound in air as longitudinal instead.
Treats all seismic waves as the same type.
Put it right: Separate P-waves as longitudinal from S-waves as transverse.
Says longitudinal waves have no oscillations.
Put it right: Describe them as oscillating parallel to the direction of travel instead.
Exam tips
- For each option, ask whether the oscillation is parallel or perpendicular to the direction of travel.
- Check the named example against the type: sound is longitudinal, electromagnetic waves are transverse.
- Remember seismic waves contain both types, so an option calling them all transverse is wrong.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 4 – Waves: 4.5 Describe the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves by referring to sound, electromagnetic, seismic and water waves lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of these is a transverse wave?
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