Differences between transverse and longitudinal waves

March 15, 2018

S.N	Transverse waves	Longitudinal waves
1.	Vibrations of medium particles are perpendicular to the direction of the propagation of wave.	Vibrations of medium particles are along the direction of the propagation of the wave.
2.	Produced in solids and liquids.	Produced in solids, liquids and gases.
3.	Consists of crest and trough.	Consists of compression and rarefaction.
4.	Speed of this wave is more.	Speed of this wave is less.
5.	It can travel in electromagnetic field.	It cannot travel in electromagnetic field.
6.	Material medium is not required for its transmission.	Material medium is essential for its transmission.
7.	They can be polarized.	They cannot be polarized.
8.	There is no pressure and density variation.	There is pressure and density variation.
9.	Examples: surface water waves, waves on string, EM waves.	Examples: sound waves, seismic waves.