What are wavefronts?
2 marks · NormalDescribe how the particles in a spring vibrate when a longitudinal wave passes through it. Include reference to the direction of energy transfer.
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The particles vibrate back and forth along the same direction as the energy transfer.
Also accept: Particles oscillate parallel to the wave direction.
Common mistakes: Describing transverse motion; Omitting direction reference
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Mentions vibration is along/parallel to the direction of energy/wave.
B2 · 1 mark · States motion is back and forth/oscillation along the direction.
Worked solution
When a longitudinal wave passes through a spring, the coils vibrate back and forth in the same direction as the energy or wave is moving.