Transverse and longitudinal waves

By : Jeyesh 9A
 Transverse waves

Transverse wave is a form of a wave that propagates perpendicularly towards its

direction of propagation. The movement of particles in a transverse wave also varies
from that of a longitudinal wave. In the transverse wave the particles carrying the
wave, move from sided to side at right angles in the direction of propagation.
 Properties of Transverse
wave:

● Wavelength: the distance between 2 consecutive points in a

wave. (ex: crest to crest or trough to trough)

● Amplitude: The height of the crest or the depth of the trough

● Frequency: number of waves per second (measured in Hz)

● Trough : lowest point of wave

● Crest: highest point of wave

Note: The type of wave in the electromagnetic
spectrum varies based on the wave’s wavelength
 Longitudinal Waves

Longitudinal wave is the 2nd type of wave. Longitudinal Waves are the waves that
propagate parallel to each other in the direction of propagation. In a transverse wave
we have seen that the particles move from side to side at right angles, but the particles
carrying the longitudinal wave move back and forth along the direction of propagation.
 Properties of Longitudinal wave:

● Wavelength: the distance between 2 consecutive points

in a wave. (ex: rarefaction to rarefaction or compression
to compression)

● Rarefaction: The cluster of particles, or a part of the

wave where the particles carrying the wave are spread
apart

● Compression: The cluster of particles, or a part of the

wave where the particles carrying the wave are close
together
 Differences between both types of waves:

Type of wave / difference Transverse Longitudinal

Particle movement Side to side Back and forth

Propagating movement Perpendicular Parallel

 Examples of both waves:

Transverse Longitudinal
Ripples on water Sound

All electromagnetic waves Primary seismic waves (P-waves)

Secondary seismic waves (S-waves) Tsunami waves

Vibrations on stringed instruments Earthquakes