Types of Waves

 Lesson4 chapters
 Questions

Objective
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to differentiate transverse from longitudinal waves, and mechanical
from electromagnetic waves.

Waves are disturbances in space and time.

What are the different types of waves?

Types of Waves

 Lesson4 chapters
 Questions

Learn about it!

Waves can be classified according to their ability to propagate.

Types of Waves According to Their Ability to Propagate

 Electromagnetic (EM) waves are waves that do not need a medium to propagate. EM waves travel
at 3x108m/s.
 Mechanical waves are waves that need a medium to propagate. The speed of mechanical waves varies
depending on the medium used.

Examples
 There is an array of electromagnetic waves such as gamma rays, x-rays, and microwaves.
 Some examples of mechanical waves include earthquake waves, water waves, and sound waves.

Types of Waves

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Waves can also be classified based on the direction of their propagation.

Types of Waves According to the Direction of Their Propagation

 Transverse waves are waves wherein the oscillation is perpendicular (at ninety degrees) to the direction of
the wave motion or wave propagation.
 Longitudinal waves are waves where the oscillation is parallel (in the same direction) to the direction of the
wave motion or wave propagation.
Example
Water waves are examples of transverse waves while sound waves are an example of longitudinal waves.

Types of Waves

 Lesson4 chapters
 Questions

Try it!
Research other examples of:

1. longitudinal waves
2. transverse waves
3. mechanical waves
4. electromagnetic waves

What do you think?

Can a longitudinal wave be also a transverse or longitudinal wave? Explain.

Key Points
 Waves are disturbances in time and space.
 Waves can be classified according to the ability to propagate and the direction of propagation.
 Waves can be electromagnetic, mechanical, transverse, and longitudinal.
 Q1

 Single Answer
 Question
 What are waves?
 Correct answer
 disturbances in time and space
 can travel in water
 energy in matter
 transfer of energy
 Explanation
 Waves are disturbances in time and space.
 Report errors
 Q2

 Single Answer
 Question
 What do you call the type of waves wherein the oscillations are in the same direction with the wave motion?
 Correct answer
 transverse waves
 compression waves
 longitudinal waves
 mechanical waves
 Explanation
 Longitudinal waves are waves wherein the oscillations are parallel to the wave motion.
 Report errors
 Q3
 Single Answer
 Question
 What do you call the type of waves that do not need a medium to propagate?
 Correct answer
 electromagnetic waves
 transverse waves
 water waves
 sound waves
 Explanation
 Electromagnetic waves such as UV rays and microwaves do not need a medium to propagate and can travel through empty
space.
 Report errors
 Q4

 Single Answer
 Question
 Which of the following is not an electromagnetic wave?
 Correct answer
 sound
 infrared
 ultraviolet waves
 microwaves
 Hint
 Radio waves are part of the EM spectrum which includes light so they travel at the same speed.
 Speed (m/s) = Wavelength (m) X Frequency (Hz)
 Explanation
 Infrared, ultraviolet waves, and microwaves are electromagnetic waves. Sound, on the other hand, is a mechanical wave.
 Report errors
 Q5

 Single Answer
 Question
 Which of the following is an example of a longitudinal wave?
 Correct answer
 sound wave
 water wave
 light
 radio wave
 Explanation
 Water waves, radio waves, and light are examples of transverse waves. Sound waves, on the other hand, is a longitudinal
wave.
 Report errors
 Q6

 Single Answer
 Question
 What is the speed of electromagnetic waves in vacuum?
 Correct answer
 3x108m/s
 1.3x108m/s
 cannot be determined
 2.4x108m/s
 Explanation
 Electromagnetic waves travel at 3x108m/s in a vacuum.
 Report errors
 Q7

 Single Answer
 Question
 A sound wave that you can hear is best described as _.
 Correct answer
 mechanical waves in the air traveling at about 340 m/s
 electromagnetic waves traveling at about 3x108m/s
 transverse waves in the air traveling at about 340 m/s
 longitudinal waves in the air traveling at about 3x108m/s
 Explanation
 A sound wave is a mechanical wave (in matter) in the air traveling at about 340 m/s.
 Report errors
 Q8

 Single Answer
 Question
 Surf on the sea is an example of a water wave.
 What type of wave is the water wave based on its ability to propagate?
 Correct answer
 mechanical wave
 electromagnetic wave
 heat wave
 microwave
 Explanation
 Based on the ability to propagate, water waves can be classified as mechanical waves.
 Report errors
 Q9

 Single Answer
 Question
 A long metal spring laid on a flat surface and shaken from side to side can be classified as what type of waves based on the
direction of propagation?
 Correct answer
 transverse wave
 mechanical wave
 electromagnetic wave
 longitudinal wave
 Explanation
 Transverse waves are waves that oscillates perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
 Report errors
 Q10

 Single Answer
 Question
 P waves are seismic waves that carries energy. It propagates on land during an earthquake.
 What type of waves are p waves based on their ability to propagate?
 Correct answer
 mechanical wave
 electromagnetic wave
 transverse wave
 longitudinal wave
 Explanation
 Mechanical waves are waves that need a medium to propagate.