Transverse and longitudinal waves

• Waves may be transverse or longitudinal.
• Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves with a wide range of properties and uses.
• Sound waves are longitudinal waves.
• In longitudinal waves, the particles in areas of compression are closer together than on average.
• In longitudinal waves, the particles in areas of rarefaction are further apart than on average.
• Longitudinal waves are often demonstrated by pushing and pulling a stretched slinky spring.
• In the diagram, the compressions move from left to right and energy is transferred from left to right.
• However, none of the particles are transported along a longitudinal wave.
• Instead, they move backwards and forwards between compressions as the wave is transmitted through the medium.
• The medium in a longitudinal wave is a material through which a wave can be transmitted (propagate).