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What are longitudinal waves
In this case, Individual particles of wave move in direction of propagation of waves
In easy language, particles of medium move back and forth (left and right) making nearby particles of medium vibrate
Example
If we stretch a slinky, it moves left and right (in the direction we put force)
What are Transverse Waves
In this case, particles of medium oscillate up and down at right angles to the direction in which the wave is moving.
Example
If we move a slinky up and down, the wave moves to the right side but slinky moves up and down (right angle to direction of wave
See this image
In the top wave, particles move perpendicular to direction of wave. So, it is a transverse wave
In bottom wave, particles move parallel to direction of wave. So, it is a longitudinal wave
Another example can be
Are sound waves Longitudinal or Transverse ?
Sound waves are longitudinal waves
It is because sound waves move in back and forth direction
Explanation
When an object vibrates, it forces the particles of medium around it to also vibrate (move to and fro)
They cause the neighbouring particles to vibrate and so on
This process continues until the vibrations reach the person's ear and we are able to hear sound
What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?
Questions
NCERT Question 4 -
Why is sound wave called a longitudinal wave?
