Explain the difference between a longitudinal and transverse wave.

Imagine we have a wave that is travelling from left to right. This is the wave's direction of motion, or what is sometimes called the direction of "energy propagation". In a transverse wave the particles vibrate perpendicular, that is, at right angles, to the direction of motion; in our wave that means the particles are vibrating up and down as the wave moves along. However, in a longitudinal wave the particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave moves; in our wave that means that they vibrate forwards and backwards as the wave passes. An example of a transverse wave is visible light, whilst a longitudinal wave would be sound.

RG
Answered by Ross G. Physics tutor

5312 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the charge that flows past a point in a circuit with a 5.0A current for five minutes.


A 70Kg person jumps out of a plane and deploys a parachute, once the parachute is open the wind resistance acting on the person and the parachute is 900N. What is the direction and magnitude of the persons acceleration.


a car travels at a constant speed of 60 km/h. How far will it be after 3 h?


What is the actual difference between the weight and the mass of an object?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences