What are wavefronts?
4 marks · NormalThe diagram below shows two types of waves on springs.
Label which wave (A or B) is transverse and which is longitudinal.
Explain your answer referring to the movement of the coils relative to the direction of energy transfer.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) Wave A: transverse; Wave B: longitudinal · must show correct labels
(b) In wave A, the coils vibrate at right angles to the direction of energy transfer, so it is transverse; in wave B, the coils vibrate along the direction of energy transfer, so it is longitudinal. · must show description of vibration/energy transfer directions
Must show: labels A/transverse, B/longitudinal, reference to direction
Common mistakes: Mixing up wave types; Not referring to direction of vibration
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly identifies wave A as transverse.
B2 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly identifies wave B as longitudinal.
M1 (b) · 1 mark · Mentions that for transverse the vibration is at right angles to energy direction.
M2 (b) · 1 mark · Mentions that for longitudinal the vibration is parallel/along the energy direction.
Worked solution
a) Wave A is transverse; wave B is longitudinal.
b) In wave A, the coils move at right angles (perpendicular) to the direction of energy transfer, typical of transverse waves. In wave B, the coils move along (parallel to) the direction of energy transfer, typical of longitudinal waves.