transverse + longitudinal waves

waves are either transverse or longitudinal

what are oscillations (vibrations) in transverse waves like?

• perpendicular to direction of energy transfer

• particles move side-to-side

what are examples of transverse waves?

• all electromagnetic waves

  • light, radio, microwaves

• water ripples

• Mexican waves

• seismic S-waves

most waves are transverse!

how can transverse waves be visualised?

spring wiggled up and down

what are oscillations in longitudinal waves like?

parallel to direction of energy transfer

what are examples of longitudinal waves?

• sound waves

• shock waves

• seismic P-waves

how can longitudinal waves be visualised?

pushing the end of the spring

what are compressions and rarefactions in longitudinal waves?

• compressions

  • regions of high pressure

  • particles close together

• rarefactions

  • regions of low pressure

  • particles spread apart