The Difference Between Longitudinal and Transverse Waves

In physics, there are two main types of waves: longitudinal and transverse. The key difference lies in the direction of the wave's oscillation in relation to the direction of its propagation.

• Longitudinal Waves: In these waves, the oscillation of the particles is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. A classic example is sound waves.

• Transverse Waves: Here, the oscillation of the particles is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. An example is light waves.

Understanding this distinction is fundamental to comprehending various natural phenomena and their applications in different fields.