Transverse & Longitudinal Waves Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

In a transverse wave, in which direction do the particles oscillate?

Perpendicular (at right angles, 90°) to the direction the wave travels.

In a longitudinal wave, in which direction do the particles oscillate?

Parallel to the direction the wave travels (back and forth), making compressions and rarefactions.

Give two examples of transverse waves other than water waves.

Electromagnetic waves (e.g. light, microwaves, X-rays) and seismic S-waves.

True or false? Sound waves are transverse waves.

False. Sound waves are longitudinal.

Are seismic P-waves transverse or longitudinal?

Longitudinal.