Question

Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves

Answer 1

Transverse Waves: Displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.

To understand this it is good to think of a rope being held still by person B and being moved up and down by person A. The direction of propagation is from person A to B, so you will see the waves move along this way. But the displacement will be up and down.

Can travel in solids, but not in liquids and gas.

eg. Electromagnetic radiation

Longitudinal Waves: Displacement of the medium is parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave.

A good example for this is a slinky being pushed along the table, the propagation will be along the table and so will the displacement of all the 'rings'.

Answer 2

see the ATTACHMENT for answer