Direction of travel

Definition

The direction in which a wave and its energy propagate away from the source.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 4.5 · Paper 1

In a transverse wave, the oscillations are at right angles to the direction of travel. If a wave moves horizontally along a rope while points on the rope move up and down, the motion of the rope is perpendicular to the motion of the wave.
Revise: Longitudinal vs Transverse

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GCSE Physics · key term

The direction in which a wave and its energy propagate away from the source.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 4.5 · Paper 1

In a transverse wave, the oscillations are at right angles to the direction of travel. If a wave moves horizontally along a rope while points on the rope move up and down, the motion of the rope is perpendicular to the motion of the wave.
Revise: Longitudinal vs Transverse

Create a free account to read GCSE Physics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.