Longitudinal and Transverse Waves

Longitudinal and Transverse Waves

• Sound is transmitted as a wave motion through a medium such as air, water or metal.
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Longitudinal Waves

• If the vibration is parallel to the direction of motion, the wave is known as a longitudinal wave. 
• As the sound wave is propagated outward from the centre of disturbance, the individual air molecules move back and forth.
• Each individual molecule passes the energy on to the next molecules, but after the sound wave has passed, the molecule remains in about the same location of space.
  eg. Newton's Cradle

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Transverse Waves

• If the vibration is at right angles to the direction of motion the wave is known as transverse wave.
• An example of a transverse wave is the ripple on the surface of water, they move up and down out from the disturbance.

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