Types of Waves

• Transverse
• Longitudinal

Transverse waves:

• Transverse waves are waves that propagate perpendicular to the direction of motion

• Can only propagate liquid and and solid mediums, but not in gas.

• Some transverse waves are electromagnetic waves which can move in a vacuum

• Energy transfer is in the direction of motion of the wave

• The highest above the mean position is crest

• The lowest below the mean position is called the trough

• Examples of transverse waves are:

  • Ripples on the surface of water
  • Vibrations in a guitar string
  • S-waves (a type of seismic wave)
  • Electromagnetic waves (such as radio, light, X-rays, microwaves etc)

Longitudinal Waves:

• Waves that propagate parallel to the direction of motion
• For a longitudinal wave:
  • The energy transfer is in the same direction as the wave motion
  • The transfer energy is through particles, via compressions and rarefactions
  • They can move in solids, liquids and gases
  • They can not move in a vacuum (since there are no particles)
• Compressions are regions where the particles are densely packed
• Rarefactions are regions where particles are scarcely located