Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
Visualizing the fundamental types of wave motion.
The Concept: Wave Motion
Waves are disturbances that transfer energy through a medium without transferring matter. The way the particles of the medium oscillate determines the type of wave.
• Transverse: Particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel (e.g., waves on a guitar string, light). Water ripples are actually a mix: the water moves in small circles.
• Longitudinal: Particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave travel (e.g., sound).
What to look for
- Observe the direction of particle motion (red dots) versus the direction of wave propagation (rightward).
- Notice that the wave speed stays the same (it is set by the medium), so a higher frequency gives a shorter wavelength ($\lambda = v/f$). Amplitude changes neither speed nor wavelength.
Controls
Wave Equation
$v = f \lambda$