Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves

[vivekfan]

Homework Statement

Please explain the difference and try to give examples. I know that the displacement of the medium in a transverse wave is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel and in longitudinal is parallel to the direction of wave travel, but does this mean that transverse waves only travel from left to right?

Homework Equations

Conceptual question

The Attempt at a Solution

I've stated what I know above, and what I'm confused about. Please help.

 

[whybother]

I was going to write out the definitions and some examples, but I'll be lazy and just link you to wikipedia, because they seem to handle this question quite well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transverse_wave" : consists of 'particles' moving perpendicular to the direction the energy is moving in ("transverse wave is moving in the positive x-direction, its oscillations are in up and down directions that lie in the y-z plane"). Examples: light waves or moving a string up and down.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longitudinal_wave" : the 'particles' are moving parallel to the direction of energy. Examples: sound

Water waves are both transverse and longitudinal.

This sight has some nice pictures too: http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/Demos/waves/wavemotion.html

 

[nlightner]

I can provide a more detailed explanation of the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves.

A transverse wave is a type of wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. This means that the displacement of the medium is at right angles to the direction of the wave. Examples of transverse waves include electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio waves, as well as water waves and seismic S-waves. These waves can travel in any direction, not just left to right.

On the other hand, a longitudinal wave is a type of wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel. This means that the displacement of the medium is in the same direction as the wave. Examples of longitudinal waves include sound waves and seismic P-waves. These waves also travel in all directions, not just left to right.

It is important to note that the direction of wave travel is not necessarily the same as the direction of particle displacement. For example, in a water wave, the water particles move up and down (transverse displacement) while the wave travels horizontally. Similarly, in a sound wave, the air particles move back and forth (longitudinal displacement) while the wave travels outwards in all directions from the source.

I hope this helps to clarify the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves. Let me know if you have any other questions.