Difference between Longitudinal and Transverse Wave
written by Qamar ZamanThe key difference between longitudinal and transverse wave lies in the direction of oscillation with respect to the direction of propagation.
The displacement of the particles in a longitudinal wave occurs parallel to the wave’s path of propagation. On the other hand, the transverse wave’s particle displacement is perpendicular to the wave’s path of propagation.
Longitudinal Wave
A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particle movement is parallel to the direction of the wave propagation. Longitudinal waves are also defined as having wave motion that is parallel to particle motion. A sound wave moving through the air is a nice illustration of a longitudinal wave.
Sound waves and seismic P-waves are examples of longitudinal waves. Additionally, the movement of a particle, pressure vibrations, and particle velocity all contribute to the generation of sound waves. In contrast, earthquakes and explosions are what produce seismic P-waves.
The displacement of the medium in a longitudinal wave is unquestionably parallel to the wave’s propagation. A wave that extends the whole length of a stretched Slinky toy is another excellent depiction. Compare it to a standing wave that travels in a transverse direction similar to a guitar string that is vibrating.
Transverse Wave
The term “transverse wave” describes a wave in which the particle movement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The transverse wave is further defined by the fact that the wave motion is perpendicular to the motion of the particles. In addition, transverse waves require a rather hard medium for the transmission of their energy.
A moving wave whose oscillations are transverse to the direction of propagation is referred to as a transverse wave. The wave that forms on a drum’s membrane is another excellent illustration of this type of wave. Additionally, the directions in which the waves travel parallel to the membrane’s plane.
Unquestionably, a typical example of a longitudinal wave is the pressure wave in solids, liquids, or gases. Additionally, the material expands and contracts as a result of the pressure wave’s oscillations. Additionally, this is how a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave are contrasted.
Transverse vs longitudinal waves
The important difference between longitudinal and transverse wave is given below.
| Transverse wave | Longitudinal Wave |
|---|---|
| The medium is traveling in a direction that is perpendicular to the waves. | In the case of a longitudinal wave, the medium travels parallel to the wave direction. |
| There is no polarisation or alignment of this wave. | It is undoubtedly conceivable for this wave to be polarised or aligned. |
| It acts in one dimension | It acts in two dimensions |
| There are crests and troughs in this wave. | This wave is made up of compressions and rarefactions |
| The only media in which this wave may be produced are liquid and gas | This wave may form in any media, including solids, gases, and liquids. |
| The earthquake S wave is an illustration of a transverse wave. | The earthquake P wave is a prime illustration of a longitudinal wave. |
Related FAQs
What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse Wave?
The main difference between longitudinal and transverse Wave lies in the direction of the wave motion relative to the direction of oscillation of the particles within the wave.
Are sound waves longitudinal or transverse?
Sound waves are longitudinal waves. In a sound wave, the particles of the medium (such as air, water, or solids) vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. This means that the particles move back and forth in the same direction as the sound wave is traveling.
Difference between longitudinal and transverse wave with examples
The main difference between longitudinal and transverse wave is the direction in which the particles of the medium oscillate relative to the direction of wave propagation. Longitudinal wave examples include sound waves and seismic waves.
Transverse wave examples include light waves, water waves, and electromagnetic waves.
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