Difference between longitudinal and transverse waves

Last updated at July 21, 2026 by

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Longitudinal Waves
Transverse Waves
The particles of the medium oscillate in the direction of the wave movement.
The particles of the medium oscillate in the direction perpendicular the wave movement.
It is made of rarefactions and compressions.
It is made of crests and trough.
For example, Sound waves
For example, Light waves

 

 

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