★ Must-know
📌 Transverse waves have particle vibrations perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels, whereas longitudinal waves have particle vibrations parallel to the direction of travel.
Further detail
Examples of transverse waves and longitudinal waves must be distinguished according to whether their particle vibrations are perpendicular or parallel to the direction of wave travel.
Crests and troughs are features of transverse waves, while compressions and rarefactions are features of longitudinal waves.
Transverse vibrations are perpendicular to travel, whereas longitudinal vibrations are parallel.
1. Regarding transverse and longitudinal waves, which statement(s) is/are correct?
2. Concerning amplitude and wavelength, tick the correct statement(s):
3. The wavelength of a wave can be described as:
How do particle vibrations orient in transverse waves?
They are perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel.
How do particle vibrations orient in longitudinal waves?
They are parallel to the wave's direction of travel.
What is amplitude in a wave?
The maximum displacement of a particle from equilibrium.
What does wavelength measure in a wave?
The distance between corresponding points on successive waves.
How does sound travel through a medium?
By vibrations passed between particles.
Why can't sound travel through a vacuum?
Because no particles are available to transmit vibrations.
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