7.2 Transverse and longitudinal waves

What is the direction of vibrations in transverse waves?

Perpendicular to the wave motion.

What is the direction of vibrations in longitudinal waves?

Parallel to the wave motion.

Give examples of transverse waves.

Electromagnetic radiation, water waves, light waves, seismic S-waves.

Give examples of longitudinal waves.

Sound waves, seismic P-waves.

In what media can transverse and longitudinal waves travel?

Transverse: in solids, on the surface of liquids, but not in liquids or gases; in a vacuum (EM waves).
Longitudinal: in solids, liquids and gases; cannot in a vacuum.

What do transverse waves consist of?

Peaks and troughs.

What do longitudinal waves consist of?

Compressions (particles close together) and rarefactions (particles far apart).

For a transverse wave, how is displacement oriented?

Displacement is perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

For a longitudinal wave, how is displacement oriented?

Displacement is parallel to the direction of propagation.