Question

Describe the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves.

A) Transverse waves move parallel to the wave direction, longitudinal waves move perpendicular.
B) Transverse waves move perpendicular to the wave direction, longitudinal waves move parallel.
C) Transverse waves don't have crests and troughs, longitudinal waves do.
D) Transverse waves are always mechanical, longitudinal waves are always electromagnetic.

Answer 1

A transverse wave has a disturbance perpendicular to its direction of propagation, while a longitudinal wave has a disturbance parallel to its direction of propagation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A transverse wave has a disturbance perpendicular to its direction of propagation, whereas a longitudinal wave has a disturbance parallel to its direction of propagation. In a transverse wave, the motion of the particles in the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave, while in a longitudinal wave, the particles in the medium move parallel (in the same direction as) to the motion of the wave.