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GCSE Combined Science · key term
A wave whose oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 6.6.1.1 · Paper 6
Revise: Transverse and Longitudinal WavesIn a longitudinal wave, the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer: they take place along the same line as the wave travels.
Paper 5, Paper 6
A wave in which vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
Revise: Wave properties and velocityIn a longitudinal wave, vibrations are parallel to the direction of travel. Sound in air and seismic P waves are examples. As air particles move back and forth, they form alternating compressions, where particles are crowded together, and rarefactions, where particles are spread farther apart.
Compare the direction of vibration with the direction of wave travel when identifying transverse or longitudinal waves.
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