Exam-style question
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Which statement best describes transverse waves?.
- A.They consist of compressions and rarefactions.
- B.They can travel through a vacuum.
- C.They have particles that move in the same direction as the wave.
- D.They are characterized by peaks and troughs.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- They are characterized by peaks and troughs.
Explanation
Why this works
Transverse waves are defined by the motion of particles being perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, resulting in peaks (crests) and troughs. This is a key difference from longitudinal waves, which feature compressions and rarefactions.
Transverse waves include light waves, which can travel through a vacuum.
Common mistake
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