(a) What are longitudinal waves and transverse waves ? Explain with the help of labelled diagrams .
(b) Give two examples each of longitudinal waves and transverse waves.
(a) What are longitudinal waves and transverse waves ? Explain with the help of labelled diagrams .
(b) Give two examples each of longitudinal waves and transverse waves.
a) Longitudinal waves:
A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction in which the wave is moving is called longitudinal wave. Example: sound waves.
Transverse waves:
A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction, in which the wave is moving, is called transverse wave. Example: Light waves.
In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. See the figure below for further explanation.
In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. See the figure below for further explanation
b)
Examples of transverse waves - Light waves
- Radio waves
- Water waves
- Heat waves
Examples of longitudinal waves - Sound waves
- Spring waves (Compressional waves)
- A vibrating drumhead
Longitudinal waves:
A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction in which the wave is moving is called longitudinal wave. Example: sound waves.
Transverse waves:
A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction, in which the wave is moving, is called transverse wave. Example: Light waves.
In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. See the figure below for further explanation.
In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. See the figure below for further explanation
b)
- Light waves
- Radio waves
- Water waves
- Heat waves
- Sound waves
- Spring waves (Compressional waves)
- A vibrating drumhead
