Learning objective

Understand that in a longitudinal wave, the vibration direction is parallel to the wave's direction of travel, and know that sound waves and seismic P-waves can be modeled as longitudinal waves.

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Cambridge IGCSE PhysicsSubject contentCore content

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Understand that in a longitudinal wave, the vibration direction is parallel to the wave's direction of travel, and know that sound waves and seismic P-waves can be modeled as longitudinal waves

This point belongs to General properties of waves, especially General properties of waves outcomes.
You need to be able to understand that in a longitudinal wave, the vibration direction is parallel to the wave's direction of travel, and know that sound waves and seismic P-waves can be modeled as longitudinal waves.
The key ideas to know are Know and Understand.
Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

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KnowUnderstand

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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 3 structured question: General properties of waves

Paper 3Theory (Core)1 marks

Description

Longitudinal Waves

Longitudinal waves are characterized by particle vibrations that occur in the same direction as the wave travels. Examples include sound waves and seismic P-waves.

a
State an example of a longitudinal wave.
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Identify and describe the characteristics of a wave, including wavefront, wavelength, frequency, crest, trough, amplitude, and wave speed.
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Recall and apply the formula for wave speed, represented as v = f λ.
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Recognize that in a transverse wave, the vibration direction is perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel, and know that electromagnetic radiation, water waves, and seismic S-waves can be modeled as transverse waves.
General properties of waves outcomes

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