Transverse Waves:
1. Wave Particle Motion: In transverse waves, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave propagation. For example, ocean waves where the water moves up and down while the wave travels horizontally.
2. Crests and Troughs: Transverse waves have crests (highest points) and troughs (lowest points). The distance between two successive crests or troughs is called the wavelength (\( \lambda \)).
3. Propagation: Energy is transferred along the direction of the wave, not the motion of the particles. Examples of transverse waves include light waves, electromagnetic waves, and seismic S-waves.
4. Polarization: Transverse waves can be polarized, meaning their vibrations can be constrained to a specific direction.
5. Wave Velocity: In transverse waves, the wave velocity is perpendicular to both the wave's direction and the particle motion.
6. Energy Transfer: Energy is transferred perpendicular to the direction of the wave.
7. Examples: Light waves, electromagnetic waves, seismic S-waves.
Longitudinal Waves:
1. Wave Particle Motion: In longitudinal waves, the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave propagation. Think of a slinky where the coils move back and forth in the direction of the wave.
2. Compression and Rarefaction: Longitudinal waves have compressions (regions of high particle density) and rarefactions (regions of low particle density). The distance between two successive compressions or rarefactions is also the wavelength (\( \lambda \)).
3. Propagation: Energy is transferred along the direction of the wave as a result of particles compressing and expanding. Examples of longitudinal waves include sound waves and seismic P-waves.
4. No Polarization: Longitudinal waves generally cannot be polarized because the vibrations are along the direction of wave travel.
5. Wave Velocity: In longitudinal waves, the wave velocity is parallel to the direction of particle motion.
6. Energy Transfer: Energy is transferred parallel to the direction of the wave.
7. Examples: Sound waves, seismic P-waves.
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