Transversal and Longitudinal Waves

• What are the two categories of waves?

  Transverse waves and longitudinal waves
• What is the primary difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

  The oscillations are perpendicular in transverse waves and parallel in longitudinal waves.
• How do waves transfer energy?

  Waves transfer energy from one place to another.
• What is the direction of oscillations in transverse waves?

  • Oscillations are up and down
• What is the direction of energy transfer in transverse waves?

  • Energy transfer is sideways
• What are compressions and rarefactions in longitudinal waves?

  Compressions are close together regions, and rarefactions are spaced out regions.
• What is a key feature of longitudinal waves?

  • Oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
• What is required for longitudinal waves to travel?

  Longitudinal waves require a medium to travel in.
• Do all transverse waves require a medium to travel?

  • No, not all transverse waves require a medium
• What is the important fact about the movement of waves compared to the medium?

  The wave travels, not the medium.
• How do particles behave in a transverse wave?

  • Particles oscillate up and down but do not travel along the medium
• How do particles behave in a longitudinal wave?

  • Particles oscillate from side to side but do not travel through the medium