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. |
Image source: onlinescience
References:
i) https://oxscience.com/difference-transverse-longitudinal-waves/
ii) https://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/demos/waves/wavemotion.html