CAIE IGCSE Physics Longitudinal Nature of Sound

Practise recognising sound as longitudinal by comparing air-particle vibration with propagation and interpreting molecule or candle-flame motion diagrams.

Exam points

identify air particles vibrating parallel to the direction in which the sound wave travels
interpret molecule or candle motion as back-and-forth displacement, not travel with the wave

[Maximum number: 1]

A candle flame is placed in front of a loudspeaker.
The loudspeaker produces a sound wave that causes air particles to vibrate. The vibrating air particles make the candle flame vibrate in the same direction as the air particles.

Figure for Question 3.4.2—Longitudinal nature of sound waves question 1 — CAIE IGCSE Physics

Which row shows the direction of vibration of the candle flame and the nature of sound waves?

direction of

vibration

nature of

sound waves

$\square$

longitudinal

$\square$

transverse

$\longrightarrow$

longitudinal

$\longrightarrow$

transverse

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3.4.2—Longitudinal nature of sound waves question 1