The main difference between longitudinal and transverse waves lies in how the particles of the medium move in relation to the direction of the wave's energy transport.
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Longitudinal Waves:
- In longitudinal waves, the particles of the medium move back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels.
- Think of pushing and pulling a slinky: when you compress and release sections of it, the coils move along the same line as the wave moves.
- Sound waves in air are a common example, where air molecules oscillate back and forth along the direction of the sound wave.
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Transverse Waves:
- In transverse waves, the particles of the medium move up and down (or side to side) perpendicular to the direction the wave travels.
- Imagine shaking one end of a rope up and down; the wave travels horizontally while the rope moves vertically.
- Light waves and waves on a string are examples, where the motion of particles is at right angles to the direction of the wave.
In summary:
- Longitudinal waves = particle motion is parallel to wave direction (e.g., sound).
- Transverse waves = particle motion is perpendicular to wave direction (e.g., light, waves on a rope).