Question

(a) Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves.
(b) Are sound waves longitudinal or transverse?

Answer 1

(a)

Longitudinal waves		Transverse waves
1.	Particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction in which the wave travels.	1.	Particles of the medium vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels.
2.	They can be formed in solids, liquids, and gases.	2.	They can be formed in solids and liquids, but not in gases.
3.	Example: Sound waves.	3.	Example: Ripples in water.

(b) Sound is a longitudinal wave because the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction in which the wave travels.