Question
Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves. Do all waves fall into one or the other of these categories? If not, give an example of one that does not?
Answers
Elena
In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Longitudinal waves can propagate through either solid , fluid and gas media, but transverse waves can propagate only in solids.
Transverse waves: vibrating guitar string, water waves, doing "the wave" at a stadium
Longitudinal waves: sound waves
In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Longitudinal waves can propagate through either solid , fluid and gas media, but transverse waves can propagate only in solids.
Transverse waves: vibrating guitar string, water waves, doing "the wave" at a stadium
Longitudinal waves: sound waves