Transverse Waves
Disturbances that vibrate perpendicular to the direction of travel
List three or more waves.
Video Instruction
showmethephysics.com
Watch the Medium Move
Longitudinal or Transverse?
Watch the motion. Is this wave longitudinal or transverse?
Many Possible Planes
Unlike longitudinal waves, transverse waves can be oriented in many different planes.
Water waves, seismic waves, and electromagnetic waves such as light, microwaves, and radio waves
Check Your Understanding
Longitudinal or transverse?
Transverse: the vibration is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.
a) Longitudinal or transverse?
b) Which two letters show one wavelength?
c) How does the medium move?
Answers: A and C; choice D.
Check Your Understanding
5 quick questions — pick an answer to see if you’re right.
1. In a transverse wave, the medium vibrates
2. Which of these is a transverse wave?
3. A wave travels east along a stretched rope while each piece of rope moves up and down. This wave is
4. Which statement about transverse waves is true but NOT true for longitudinal waves?
5. In a stadium wave, fans stand up and sit down as the wave moves around the stadium. What travels around the stadium?