Question

In your own words, compare and contrast transverse and longitudinal waves. Be sure to include at least one similarity and one difference.

Answer 1

A transverse wave is a wave is a wave in which the particles in the medium oscillate in a direction that is perpendicular or at 90 degrees to the direction in which the wave propagates. Light waves or electromagnetic waves are a good example of transverse waves. When an electromagnetic wave propagates, the medium in which it propagates vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel.

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium oscillate in a direction parallel to the direction in which the wave is travelling.  Sound waves are good examples of longitudinal waves. When sound propagates, the particles of the medium which it travels through will vibrate in the direction in which the wave is travelling.

                                         Similarities

• Both transverse and longitudinal waves carry energy.
• Both transverse and longitudinal waves obey the wave equation.
• Both transverse and longitudinal waves show behavior such as refraction, reflection, absorption, diffraction, etc.

                                          Differences

The main difference is that for longitudinal waves, the particles in the medium will vibrate in the direction of the wave and that for transverse waves, the motion of the particles in the medium is in a direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.