Lesson: Chapter 4 — Waves and their applications

4.1.2. Longitudinal waves 3 of 3

Transverse against longitudinal

Both are mechanical waves. What separates them is the direction the particles move, compared with the direction the wave travels.

	Transverse waves	Longitudinal waves
How the particles move	At right angles to the direction the wave moves.	Parallel to the direction the wave moves.
Where they travel	Along the surfaces of solids and liquids, or along strings and wires.	Through solids, liquids and gases.
Example	Water waves	Sound waves

The slinky can do both

The same slinky carried a transverse wave in Activity 4.2 and a longitudinal one in Activity 4.3. The kind of wave depends on how the source moves, not on the material.