Compare transverse and longitudinal waves and test your understanding
Transverse Wave
Particles oscillate perpendicular to direction of travel
Has clear crests and troughs
Examples: water waves, light waves, waves on a string
Longitudinal Wave
Particles oscillate parallel to direction of travel
Has compressions and rarefactions
Examples: sound waves, compression in a Slinky
Quick Check: What type of wave is this?
Watch the animation above and choose the correct wave type.
Transverse
Longitudinal
Application: Identify the wave
A sound wave travelling through air is which type?
Transverse
Longitudinal
Key idea: The difference between wave types is the direction of particle oscillation relative to the wave's direction of travel. In transverse waves they are perpendicular; in longitudinal waves they are parallel. All electromagnetic waves (including light) are transverse. All sound waves are longitudinal.