Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Transverse Wave

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A transverse wave is a wave that oscillates perpendicular to its propagation.

OR

A wave that vibrates at right angles to the direction of energy transfer.

A transverse wave looks like this:

Don’t forget to always include the labels!

Examples include ripples on a water surface and an electromagnetic wave (light).

Longitudinal Wave

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A longitudinal wave is a wave that oscillates parallel to its propagation.

OR

A wave that vibrates parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

Don’t forget to always include the labels!

An example of this wave is a sound wave.