Engineers in Japan designed an earthquake early warning system. The system detects P-waves (longitudinal waves) before the more destructive S-waves (transverse waves) arrive. Which statement correctly compares longitudinal and transverse waves?

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Question

Engineers in Japan designed an earthquake early warning system. The system detects P-waves (longitudinal waves) before the more destructive S-waves (transverse waves) arrive. Which statement correctly compares longitudinal and transverse waves?

Accepted Answer

In transverse waves, particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer — Award 1 mark for identifying that in transverse waves, particle oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. A is incorrect — this describes transverse waves, not longitudinal. B is incorrect — electromagnetic waves (transverse) travel through a vacuum, but mechanical longitudinal waves like sound cannot. D is incorrect — wavelength depends on speed and frequency, not the type of wave.

Answer

Transverse waves can travel through a vacuum but longitudinal waves cannot

Answer

In transverse waves, particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer

Answer

In longitudinal waves, particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer

Answer

Longitudinal waves have a longer wavelength than transverse waves at the same frequency

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