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In Geophysics
How are longitudinal and transverse waves different?
Transverse waves are those where the movement is perpendicular to the direction of the wave and Longitudinal waves move parallel to the direction of travel. Longitudinal wav…es also known as compression waves require a medium through which to travel and can travel through solids, liquids and gasses (a sound wave is a type of longitudinal wave). Longitudinal waves look like this: ||| | | |||| | | |||| | | ||| A special type of transverse wave known as an electromagnetic wave can travel through a vacuum (they don't require a medium) and an example of this type of wave would be a radio wave or X-ray (or for that matter light). However transverse mechanical waves (such as the S-wave produced during an earthquake) are only able to travel through solids. This is the type of wave you see. Transverse waves look like this: \\/\\/\\/\\/\\/\\/\\/\\/\\/\\ . A longitudinal wave travels by pressure gradients, and are usually omnidirectional. Once emitted they travel outward spherically. Longitudinal waves require a material to travel through. A stretched spring held at both ends, compressed from the center to either end, and released will demonstrate a longitudinal wave. Transverse waves are carried along perpendicular to line of travel. They are very linear and don't require a medium to travel through. A jump rope "whipped" from one held end to another demonstrates a transverse wave. (MORE)
