Before knowing the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves, we should know that waves are referred to the disturbance propagating the energy from one place to another without transporting any matter. The general example would be a stone hitting the surface of the water and creating ripples that travel 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 medium or the channel moves in the same direction with respect to the wave. Here, the movement of the particles is from left to right and force other particles to vibrate.
Whereas, a transverse wave will have the medium or the channel moving 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 medium moves in the same direction of the wave | The medium is moving 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 |
| The 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.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Thanks for this answer
thanks for the answer
i have been searching for this answer for about 10 minutes