Transverse and Longitudinal Waves
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This page contains links to information necessary for understanding the meaning of the terms transverse wave and longitudinal wave. These animated pages elaborate these definitions. A brief description of each type of wave follows on this page, below the links.
Definition of a Transverse Wave
Definition of a Longitudinal Wave
Representing a Longitudinal Wave as a Transverse Wave
Short definition of terms:
Transverse wave - A transverse wave is a wave in which the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the motion of the wave.
For example:
Water waves are mostly transverse. The water moves up and down while the wave travels over the surface of the water.
Longitudinal wave - A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the motion of the medium is parallel to the motion of the wave.
For example:
Sound waves are longitudinal. The air vibrates back and forth along the same direction as the wave is traveling.
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