Question

Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves.

Answer 1

Longitudinal waves

Transverse waves

1. As it travels through a medium, the particles of the medium vibrate to and fro about their mean positions along the direction of propagation of wave. 2. As the wave propagates through the medium, it causes compressions and rarefactions. 3. In case of longitudinal waves, one wavelength contains one compression and one rarefaction. 4. They can travel through all media i.e. solids, liquids and gases. 5. As the longitudinal wave propagates through a medium, there is change in density of the medium.

1. As it travels through a medium, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave. 2. As the wave propagates through the medium, it produces crests and troughs. 3. In case of transverse waves, one wavelength contains one crest and one trough. 4. They can travel only through solids and on the surface of liquids. 5. As the transverse wave travels through a medium, there is no change in density of the medium.