Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves
Tsokos Ch. 11.1
Overview
Transverse waves: particles oscillate perpendicular (⊥) to the direction of wave propagation. Examples: light, waves on a string, surface water waves. Longitudinal waves: particles oscillate parallel (∥) to the direction of propagation. Example: sound. In longitudinal waves, regions of compression (high pressure) and rarefaction (low pressure) travel through the medium.