Before knowing the difference between longitudinal and transverse wave, we should know that wave is referred to the disturbance propagating energy from one place to another without transporting any matter. The general example would be a stone hitting the surface of water and creating ripples which travels in a shape of concentric circles with its radius increasing until they strike the boundary of the pond.
Difference Between Longitudinal and Transverse Wave
There are various types of waves and the two of those would be longitudinal and transverse waves. In a longitudinal wave, the movement of the medium or the channel is in the same direction with respect to the wave. Here, the particles move left and right and forces other particles to vibrate.
On the other hand, a transverse wave is where the movement of the medium or the channel is perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Here, the particles move up and down as the waves move horizontally.
| Difference Between Longitudinal and Transverse Wave | |
|---|---|
| Longitudinal | Transverse |
| The movement of the medium is of the same direction of the wave | The movement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of wave |
| It acts in one dimension | It acts in two dimension |
| The wave cannot be polarized or aligned | The wave can be polarized or aligned |
| This wave can be produced in any medium such as gas, liquid or solid | This wave can be produced in solid and liquid’s surface |
| Earthquake P wave is an example | Earthquake S wave is an example |
| It is made of rarefactions and compressions | It is made of troughs and crests |
These were some difference between longitudinal and transverse waves. If you wish to find out more, download BYJU’S The Learning App.
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