Sort these waves. For each, say whether it is transverse, longitudinal or a mix of both, and give a…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Sort these waves. For each, say whether it is transverse, longitudinal or a mix of both, and give a reason.
- A wave on a plucked guitar string.
- Sound from a drum, travelling through the air.
- A pulse sent along a slinky by pushing one end forward and back.
- Ripples on the surface of a pond.
- The S wave of an earthquake.
- A stadium wave.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
A wave carries energy and a pattern; each particle of the medium only moves about its own place. In a transverse wave the particles move across the direction of travel; in a longitudinal wave they move along it. The speed is .
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, compare your working with the solution.
- Transverse. The string moves sideways while the wave runs along the string.
- Longitudinal. The air is squeezed and stretched along the direction the sound travels.
- Longitudinal. Each coil moves forward and back, along the slinky.
- A mix of both. Each bit of water near the surface moves in a small circle, partly up and down and partly to and fro.
- Transverse. That is why S waves cannot cross the liquid outer core.
- Transverse. People move up and down, and the wave goes round the stadium.
The rule. Compare two directions: the way the medium moves and the way the wave travels. At right angles means transverse. Along the same line means longitudinal.
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