3.3.2

Types of Waves

Test yourself

Types of Wave

There are two types of waves: transverse and longitudinal.

Illustrative background for Longitudinal wavesIllustrative background for Longitudinal waves ?? "content

Longitudinal waves

  • Longitudinal waves are oscillations which occur parallel to the direction of travel.
    • In a longitudinal wave, the particles come close together and then push apart.
  • When the particles are close together, this is called a compression.
  • When the particles are far apart, this is called a rarefaction.
  • An example of a longitudinal wave is a sound wave.
  • Longitudinal waves are also called pressure waves.
Illustrative background for Transverse wavesIllustrative background for Transverse waves ?? "content

Transverse waves

  • Transverse waves occur when the oscillations are perpendicular or at right angles (90°) to the direction of travel.
  • Examples of transverse waves include water waves and electromagnetic waves.
Illustrative background for Electromagnetic wavesIllustrative background for Electromagnetic waves ?? "content

Electromagnetic waves

  • Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.
  • They are able to travel through a vacuum (such as space) so do not need a medium to travel through.
  • They range in wavelength size. The largest to smallest wavelength waves are:
    • Radio waves.
    • Microwaves.
    • Infra-red.
    • Visible Light.
    • Ultra-Violet.
    • X-Rays.
    • Gamma Ray.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson