Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

• Transverse waves


  Waves where the oscillations (vibrations) are perpendicular (at 90°) to the direction of energy transfer
• Longitudinal waves


  Waves where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
• Examples of transverse waves


  • All electromagnetic waves, e.g. light
  • Ripples and waves in water
  • A wave on a string
• Examples of longitudinal waves

  • Sound waves in air, ultrasound
  • Shock waves, e.g. some seismic waves
• Examples of mechanical waves

  • Water waves
  • Shock waves
  • Waves in springs and ropes
• Wave speed


  Frequency x Wavelength
• The wave equation applies to all waves