Question
Distinguish between traverse waves and longitudinal waves.
✓
Answer
| Longitudinal wave | Transverse wave |
| 1. The particles of the medium vibrate along the direction of propagation of the wave. | 1. The particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. |
| 2. Alternate compressions and rarefactions are formed. | 2. Alternate crests and troughs are formed. |
| 3. Periodic compressions and rarefactions, in space and time, produce periodic pressure and density variations in the medium. | There are no pressure and density, variations in the medium. |
| 4. For propagation of a longitudinal wave, the medium must be able to resist changes in volume. | For propagation of a transverse wave, the medium must be able to resist shear or change in shape. |
| 5. It can propagate through any material medium (solid, liquid or gas). | It can propagate only through solids. |
| 6. These waves cannot be polarised. | These waves can be polarised. |
| 7. eg.: Sound waves | eg.: Light waves |
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