A time domain analysis of the normal modes in a cavity is used to obtain an analytical expression for the transverse momentum imparted to particles within an accelerated electron beam in a low frequency photoinjector. These analytical expressions form the basis of detailed simulations on the transverse momentum imparted to an accelerated beam. This analysis of the wakefields employs a modified form of the Panofsky–Wenzel theorem in which additional velocity dependent effects are taken into account. Simulations are presented for parameters of the ELSA photocathode