Longitudinal Wave vs Transverse Wave — Difference (with Table)
Longitudinal Wave vs Transverse Wave compared side by side — a 5-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 11 Physics, free and no sign-up.
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TL;DR: Longitudinal Wave vs Transverse Wave compared side by side — a 5-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 11 Physics, free and no sign-up.
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The main difference between Longitudinal Wave and Transverse Wave: Longitudinal and transverse waves are two types of mechanical waves with different particle motion, essential for CBSE Class 11 Physics. Understanding thei
Longitudinal Wave vs Transverse Wave — Comparison Table
| Basis | Longitudinal Wave | Transverse Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Particle motion | Parallel to wave direction | Perpendicular to wave direction |
| Compression and rarefaction | Occurs, forms crests and troughs of pressure | Does not occur |
| Medium | Can travel through all mediums | Cannot travel through liquids and gases |
| Examples | Sound waves, seismic P-waves | Light waves, seismic S-waves, water waves |
| Speed | Generally slower | Light travels at 3×10⁸ m/s |
Key Points
- Longitudinal waves compress and stretch medium; transverse waves oscillate perpendicular
- Sound is longitudinal; light is transverse
- Transverse waves cannot propagate through gases
- Ocean waves are transverse with some longitudinal component