CAIE A-Level Physics AS 7.2 Transverse and Longitudinal Waves Questions

Practise comparing transverse and longitudinal waves by particle vibration and energy transfer, and interpreting displacement, amplitude, wavelength, compression and phase diagrams.

Exam points

compare transverse and longitudinal waves using particle vibration direction and energy transfer
interpret graphical representations of displacement, amplitude, wavelength, compression, rarefaction and phase

Covered syllabus points

7.2.1—Transverse and longitudinal waves 7.2.2—Graphical representations of transverse and longitudinal waves

[Maximum number: 1]

A guitar string is plucked.
Which statement describes the resulting waves?

Longitudinal waves on the string cause longitudinal waves in the air.

Longitudinal waves on the string cause transverse waves in the air.

Transverse waves on the string cause longitudinal waves in the air.

Transverse waves on the string cause transverse waves in the air.

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows the shape at one instant in time of part of a stretched string as a wave travels along it from left to right.

Figure for Question 2 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS

What are the directions of the velocities of the points 1,2 and 3 on the string at this instant in time?

point 1

point 2

point 3

$\rightarrow$

$\leftarrow$

$\rightarrow$

$\uparrow$

$\downarrow$

$\uparrow$

$\downarrow$

$\uparrow$

$\downarrow$

[Maximum number: 1]

Which wave cannot be a longitudinal wave?

a diffracted wave

a polarised wave

a reflected wave

a stationary wave

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Covered syllabus points

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3