Homework Help: Physical Science

Posted by Jessica on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 4:53pm.

Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves. Do all waves fall into one or the other of these categories? If not, give an example of one that does not?

Physical Science - Elena, Monday, April 2, 2012 at 5:20pm
In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Longitudinal waves can propagate through either solid , fluid and gas media, but transverse waves can propagate only in solids.

Transverse waves: vibrating guitar string, water waves, doing "the wave" at a stadium
Longitudinal waves: sound waves

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