Question

Differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves.

Answer 1

» Longitudinal Waves

• Waves direction is parallel to vibration direction

• These cannot be polarised.

• Compression and rarefraction occurs in medium.

• It is possible in all mediums like solid, liquid, gas etc.

• Example :- Sound waves in air.

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» Transverse Waves

• Waves direction is perpendicular to vibration direction.

• They can be polarised.

• Crest and trough occurs in medium.

• It is possible in solids only.

• Example :- Surface water waves, Vibrations in a string etc.

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