Understanding Longitudinal & Transverse Waves

What is Longitudinal Wave?
A longitudinal wave is one in which the particles in the wave vibrate parallel to the direction in which the wave is moving. That is the particles can only move in a back or forth movement in the same direction as the wave.

Examples of Longitudinal Waves:

1. Sound Waves
2. Waves in Springs
3. Vibrations in Gases
4. Waves in Tsunami

Longitudinal wave

What is Transverse Wave?
A transverse wave is one in which the particle vibrates perpendicularly to the direction in which the wave is moving. Such waves can only move in an up or down direction with respect to the direction of the wave.

Examples of Transverse Waves?

1. Water Waves
2. Waves in Ropes
3. Electromagnetic waves
4. Guitar string that is Vibrating

Transverse Wave