Waves
A wave carries energy from place to place without carrying matter. Transverse waves wiggle at right angles to the direction of travel. Longitudinal waves push and pull along it.
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Analogy
A Mexican wave in a stadium: the wave travels round, but each person only stands up and sits down.
In practice
Light and water ripples are transverse. Sound is longitudinal.
Practice
Flashcards
- Are waves transverse or longitudinal: light, sound?Light is transverse. Sound is longitudinal.
Interview questions
- Describe two differences between sound waves and light waves.
- Sound is longitudinal and light is transverse
- Sound needs a material but light can cross a vacuum
- Light is much faster than sound
Questions people ask
What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
In a transverse wave the vibration is at right angles to the direction the wave travels, like ripples on water. In a longitudinal wave the vibration is along the same direction, forming squashed and stretched regions, like a sound wave or a pushed spring.
Do waves carry matter?
No. Waves transfer energy, but the material they travel through only vibrates about its position. A cork on the sea bobs up and down as waves pass, but it does not travel with them. It stays near the same place unless wind or currents move it.