Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Transverse and longitudinal waves

Transverse and longitudinal waves — practice question

In the upper row, the bars show a group of particles within the Earth that are stationary. In the lower row, the same particles are shown at a particular instant while a longitudinal wave moves through the Earth from left to right. What quantity should be measured in order to determine the amplitude of the particles’ oscillations in the lower row as the wave passes?

  • Ahalf the maximum displacement of the particles from their position at rest
  • Bhalf the maximum distance apart of the particles
  • Cthe maximum displacement of the particles from their position at rest
  • Dthe maximum distance apart of the particles

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