Chapter 6: Problem 3

What is the difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave? Give an example of each.

Short Answer

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Answer: The key difference between longitudinal and transverse waves lies in the particle movements with respect to the wave propagation direction. In longitudinal waves, particles move parallel to the direction of wave propagation, whereas, in transverse waves, particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Sound waves are an example of longitudinal waves, and light waves are an example of transverse waves.

Step by step solution

Defining longitudinal waves

Longitudinal waves are waves in which the displacement of the particles of the medium is parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave. In simpler terms, the particles move in the same direction as the wave itself.

Defining transverse waves

Transverse waves are waves in which the displacement of the particles of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. This means that the particles move up and down or side to side, while the wave travels forward.

Comparison of longitudinal and transverse waves

The key difference between longitudinal and transverse waves lies in the particle movements with respect to the wave propagation direction. In longitudinal waves, particles move parallel to the direction of wave propagation, whereas, in transverse waves, particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Example of a longitudinal wave

An excellent example of a longitudinal wave is sound waves. When you speak, the air particles around your mouth vibrate back and forth, compressing and stretching the surrounding air in the same direction that the sound wave travels.

Example of a transverse wave

A common example of a transverse wave is light waves. The electromagnetic field oscillates up and down (or side to side) perpendicular to the direction the light wave is traveling, while the wave itself moves forward. In summary, the primary difference between longitudinal and transverse waves is the direction of particle displacement relative to the direction of wave propagation. Longitudinal waves involve parallel particle movement, while transverse waves involve perpendicular particle movement. Sound waves are an example of longitudinal waves, and light waves are an example of transverse waves.

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What is the difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave? Give an example of each.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Defining longitudinal waves

Defining transverse waves

Comparison of longitudinal and transverse waves

Example of a longitudinal wave

Example of a transverse wave

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