Transverse and longitudinal waves — AQA GCSE Physics
Test yourself on Transverse and longitudinal waves with AQA GCSE practice questions.
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Transverse and longitudinal waves explained
Every wave transfers energy without transferring matter, and each one is either transverse or longitudinal.
Read the full explanation
In a transverse wave the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, which is why a rope shaken up and down sends a wave along its length, and why water ripples and all electromagnetic waves are drawn with crests and troughs. In a longitudinal wave the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer, so the medium is squeezed and stretched along the line the wave travels, giving compressions and rarefactions; sound is the standard example. Sound is mechanical and needs a medium; light is electromagnetic and crosses a vacuum. Both types can be reflected, refracted and diffracted, which is why they share so many properties despite the different oscillation directions.
Your focus
- Classify a named wave as transverse or longitudinal and justify the choice by the direction of its oscillations.
- Compare a sound wave and a light wave in terms of type, medium required and speed.
- Draw and label a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave, marking the direction of energy transfer on each.
Transverse and longitudinal waves exam tips
Marking Points
- one mark for transverse waves having oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
- one mark for longitudinal waves having oscillations parallel to the direction of energy transfer
- one mark for a correct example of each, such as water ripples or light, and sound
- one mark for stating that both types transfer energy without transferring matter
Examiner Tips
- 💡Always finish the comparison with the phrase 'direction of energy transfer', which mark schemes look for.
- 💡Give one example of each type even when the question does not ask for one.
- 💡Keep the comparison balanced: one sentence on transverse, one on longitudinal.
Common Mistakes
- saying a transverse wave 'moves up and down' without saying what that is perpendicular to
- describing longitudinal waves as going side to side rather than along the direction of travel
- calling sound transverse because an oscilloscope displays it as a wavy line
- claiming electromagnetic waves need a medium to travel through