Longitudinal and Transverse Waves


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Longitudinal and Transverse Waves

Types of waves: Mainly there are two types of waves.

Longitudinal Waves: The individual particles of the medium move in a direction parallel to the direction of propagation of the disturbance. The particles do not move from one place to another but they simply oscillate back and forth about their positions of rest. This is exactly how a sound wave propagates, hence sound waves are longitudinal waves. Longitudinal waves can be produced in all the three media such as solids, liquids and gases.

Graphical Representation of a Longitudinal Wave: When a longitudinal wave passes through air, the density of air changes continuously.

Transverse Waves: In transverse waves, the individual particles of the medium move about its mean position in a direction perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. e.g. Light is a.transverse wave (but it is not a mechanical wave). Transverse waves can be produced only in solids and liquids but not in gases. Examples:

1.  The waves produced by moving one end of a long spring or rope, up and down rapidly, whose other end is fixed, are transverse waves.

2. The water waves (or ripples) formed on the surface of water in a pond (when a stone is dropped in the pond of water) are transverse waves. A transverse wave travels horizontally in a medium, the particles of the medium vibrate up and down in the vertical direction. In transverse waves, crest and trough are formed. A crest is that part of the transverse wave which is above the line of zero disturbance of the medium. A trough is that part of the transverse wave which is below the line of zero disturbance of the medium.

Graphical Representation of a Transverse Wave: A transverse wave has been represented by a displacement-distance graph as shown below.

Sample Questions
(More Questions for each concept available in Login)
Question : 1

If the direction of the vibration of particles is parallel to the direction of the propagation of wave, then the wave is a

Right Option : B
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Question : 2

Longitudinal waves can be produced in ______________________.

Right Option : D
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Question : 3

Sound waves are ______ waves.

Right Option : B
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