Decide whether each wave is longitudinal or transverse, and give a reason…

Contributed by StemPy Lab

Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.

Decide whether each wave is longitudinal or transverse, and give a reason.

A sound wave in water.
A wave on a skipping rope that you shake up and down.
A push sent along a slinky when you push one end along its length.

Need a reminder? The key ideaShow

Every sound is made by a vibration. Sound needs a medium and cannot cross a vacuum. It is a longitudinal wave: the particles vibrate along the direction of travel, making compressions (high pressure) and rarefactions (low pressure).

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, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.

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