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Learning objective

Recognize that in a transverse wave, the vibration direction is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, and identify examples such as electromagnetic radiation, water waves, and seismic S-waves.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

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  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceWavesSupplement content

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Quick explanation

Recognize that in a transverse wave, the vibration direction is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, and identify examples such as electromagnetic radiation, water waves, and seismic S-waves

  • This point belongs to General properties of waves, especially General properties of waves outcomes.
  • You need to be able to recognize that in a transverse wave, the vibration direction is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, and identify examples such as electromagnetic radiation, water waves, and seismic S-waves.
  • The key ideas to know are Define and Identify.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DefineIdentify

Why it matters

This objective helps connect General properties of waves outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for General properties of waves.

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Paper 4 structured question: General properties of waves

Paper 4Theory (Extended)2 marks

Description

Transverse Waves

Transverse waves are characterized by vibrations that occur perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. Examples include electromagnetic radiation, water waves, and seismic S-waves.

  1. a

    Describe the characteristics of transverse waves and provide two examples.

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]
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