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difference between longitudinal and transverse wave
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difference between longitudinal and transverse wave
**Longitudinal Wave:**
A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move in a parallel or back-and-forth motion to the direction in which the wave is traveling. In other words, the displacement of the particles occurs in the same direction as the wave propagation.

**Characteristics of Longitudinal Waves:**
1. Particle Motion: In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
2. Compression and Rarefaction: The regions of high pressure and density in a longitudinal wave are called compressions, while the regions of low pressure and density are called rarefactions.
3. Waveform: The waveform of a longitudinal wave appears as a series of compressions and rarefactions.
4. Speed of Propagation: The speed at which a longitudinal wave propagates through a medium depends on the properties of the medium, such as its density and elasticity.

**Examples of Longitudinal Waves:**
- Sound Waves: Sound waves in air or other mediums are longitudinal waves. The molecules of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction in which the sound wave travels.
- Primary (P) Waves: Primary waves generated during earthquakes are longitudinal waves. They are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

**Transverse Wave:**
A transverse wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move in a perpendicular or up-and-down motion to the direction in which the wave is traveling. In other words, the displacement of the particles occurs perpendicular to the wave propagation.

**Characteristics of Transverse Waves:**
1. Particle Motion: In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
2. Crests and Troughs: The highest points of the wave are called crests, while the lowest points are called troughs.
3. Waveform: The waveform of a transverse wave appears as a series of crests and troughs.
4. Speed of Propagation: The speed at which a transverse wave propagates through a medium depends on the properties of the medium, such as its density and elasticity.

**Examples of Transverse Waves:**
- Electromagnetic Waves: Light waves, radio waves, microwaves, and other electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. The electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
- Water Waves: Waves on the surface of water are transverse waves. The water molecules move up and down as the wave passes through.

In summary, the main difference between longitudinal and transverse waves lies in the direction of particle motion. While longitudinal waves have particle motion parallel to the wave propagation, transverse waves have particle motion perpendicular to the wave propagation.
Community Answer
difference between longitudinal and transverse wave
Longitudinal wave- waves in which vibration of medium particle( vop) is parallel to direction of propagation of wave( dop).....
Ex:-sound wave...
Transverse wave- waves in which VOP perpendicular to DOP.....
Ex:- wave on a stretched wire...
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difference between longitudinal and transverse wave
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