each part of a longitudinal wave oscillates forward and backward in the same direction in which the wave moves.

part of a longitudinal wave in which parts of the wave are squashed closer together is called a compression.

part of a longitudinal wave in which parts of the wave are spaced further apart is called a rarefaction.

the wavelength of a longitudinal wave is the distance along the wave between one compression and the next.

the amplitude of a longitudinal wave is the maximum distance each part of the wave moves forward or backward.

Representing longitudinal waves

Combined science

In the Electromagnetic waves unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about the reflection and refraction of light, other types of electromagnetic radiation in the EM spectrum and the helpful and harmful effects of each type of radiation.

In the Waves unit, pupils learnt about the properties and propagation of transverse and longitudinal waves.

Measuring waves

they oscillate backwards and forwards and do not move along the wave

they oscillate backwards and forwards as they move along the wave 

they move along the wave without oscillating

they vibrate between one end of the wave and the other

they vibrate between one compression and the next

they vibrate less than the distance between one compression and the next

How far do the particles in a soundwave vibrate?

the distance between a compression and a rarefaction

What is the amplitude of a longitudinal wave?

What is the distance between two wave crests on a displacement-distance graph equal to?

What does a positive displacement in a longitudinal wave indicate about that part of the wave?

What does a negative displacement in a longitudinal wave indicate about that part of the wave?

How does a loud speaker move to make a sound wave that moves forwards?

How do air particles move as a sound wave moves forwards through the air?

A sound wave is an example of a {{}} wave.

What is the wave medium of a longitudinal wave travelling along a spring stretched across a table?

What is the maximum displacement of a particle in a wave called?

What is the name given to the number of complete wave cycles passing a point each second?

Starter Quiz