Transverse and longitudinal waves
Transverse waves
In transverse waves the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction that the energy travels. This is where the name transverse comes from - it means 'across'. All of the electromagnetic waves, eg light, infrared, ultraviolet are transverse waves, as are water waves.
Step one
A hand holding a rope held taught and horizontal.
Step two
A hand jerked down to produce a sine wave shape in the rope.
Step three
A hand jerked up to continue the sine wave motion in the rope.
Longitudinal waves
With sound waves, the energy travels along in the same direction as the particles vibrate. This type of wave is known as a longitudinal wave, so named because the energy travels along the direction of vibration of the particles.
Step one
A hand holding a stationary spring stretched horizontally.
Step two
A hand jerked forward to produce a compressed area in the spring.
Step three
The compressed area in the spring travels along its length.
