CAIE IGCSE Physics Longitudinal Wave Properties
Practise identifying longitudinal waves from parallel vibrations and compressions and rarefactions, especially for sound, ultrasound and seismic P-waves.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Physics 0625
Exam points
- state that longitudinal vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave propagation
- label compressions, rarefactions and one wavelength on a particle-spacing diagram
- classify sound, ultrasound and seismic P-waves as longitudinal rather than transverse
3.1.6—For a longitudinal wave, the direction question 1
Fig. 5.2 shows a simplified diagram of seismic P-waves travelling through the Earth. The paths of the waves are curved.
Seismic waves are produced by rock movements in earthquakes.
Fig. 5.2 (not to scale)
State the type of wave that P -waves can be modelled as.
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