Transverse and Longitudinal waves

• What do all waves do?

  Transfer energy from one place to another
• What happens in transverse waves?

  The oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
• What are the region called in a longitudinal wave where the air particles are close together?

  Compressions
• What is the area called in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread out?

  Rarefactions
• What happens in a longitudinal wave?

  The oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
• What do all longitudinal waves require?

  A medium to travel in e.g. air, liquid, solid. Not all transverse waves require a medium.
• What happens when a transverse wave travels?

  The particle oscillates up and down but it does not travel along the medium.
• What happens when a longitudinal wave travels?

  The particle oscillates from side to side but it does not travel through the medium.