Types of Waves
Science: KS3, topic 3.3.2
Types of Wave
There are two types of waves. The two types are transverse and longitudinal.
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.
Compression and rarefaction
- When the particles are close together, this is called a compression.
- When the particles are far apart, this is called a rarefaction.
Longitudinal wave examples
- An example of a longitudinal wave is a sound wave.
- Longitudinal waves are also called pressure waves.
Transverse waves
- Transverse waves occur when the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of travel.
- Perpendicular means at right angles (90°) to the direction of travel.
Transverse wave examples
- Water waves are an example of a transverse wave.
- Electromagnetic waves are also an example of a transverse wave.
Electromagnetic waves
- Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.
- Electromagnetic waves are able to travel through a vacuum (such as space).
- So electromagnetic waves do not need a medium to travel through.
Wavelength size
- Electromagnetic waves range in wavelength size.
- The wavelengths from largest to smallest are:
- Radio waves.
- Microwaves.
Infra-red to X-Rays
- Infra-red.
- Visible Light.
- Ultra-Violet.
- X-Rays.
Gamma Ray
- Gamma Ray.
Test yourself on Types of Waves
Which of these are true of pressure waves?
Which of these is NOT an example of a transverse wave?
Electromagnetic Waves
Space is a vacuum, with no particles. Why can sound waves not travel through space?