Question

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

a. Only longitudinal waves transmit matter.
b. Plane waves are transverse waves while spherical waves are longitudinal.
c. Only transverse waves transmit energy.
d. In transverse waves the displacement is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave, while in longitudinal waves the displacement is parallel to the direction of propagation.
e. Mechanical waves are transverse waves while electromagnetic waves are longitudinal.

Answer 1

To explain how transverse and longitudinal waves work, let us give two examples for each particular case.

In the case of transverse waves, the displacement of the medium is PERPENDICULAR to the direction of the wave. One way to visualize this effect is when you have a rope and between two people the rope is shaken horizontally. The shift is done from top to bottom. This phenomenon is common to see it in solids but rarely in liquids and gases. A common application usually occurs in electromagnetic radiation.

On the other hand in the longitudinal waves the displacement of the medium is PARALLEL to the direction of propagation of the wave. A clear example of this phenomenon is when a Slinky is pushed along a table where each of the rings will also move. From practice, sound waves enclose the definition of longitudinal wave displacement.

Therefore the correct answer is:

C. In transverse waves the displacement is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave, while in longitudinal waves the displacement is parallel to the direction of propagation.