Transverse and longitudinal waves, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period and wave speed, v = fλ, and extracting information from displacement–position and displacement–time graphs.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
A wave carries energy across the ocean, yet the water itself stays roughly where it is. A cork on the surface just bobs up and down.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Change the wavelength and amplitude and compare transverse and longitudinal waves.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Transfers energy without transferring matter.
Vibration ⟂ direction of travel; crests and troughs; e.g. light, water ripples.
Vibration ∥ direction of travel; compressions and rarefactions; e.g. sound.
Maximum displacement from the rest position.
Distance between successive crests (points in phase); m.
Waves per second; Hz. Period T = 1/f.
v = fλ.
Displacement–position gives λ; displacement–time gives T.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Physics Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (15 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [15 marks]
A wave travels along a rope. A graph of the displacement of a point on the rope against time shows that the time from a crest to the next trough is 0.80 s and the maximum displacement is 5.0 cm. The wavelength is 3.0 m.
(a) (a) Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves. [2]
(b) (b) State the amplitude of the wave. [1]
(c) (c) Calculate the period of the wave. [2]
(d) (d) Calculate the frequency of the wave. [3]
(e) (e) Calculate the speed of the wave. [3]
(f) (f) Define wavelength. [2]
(g) (g) Name one example each of a transverse and a longitudinal wave. [2]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.