What is the difference between a transverse and longitudinal wave?

A transverse wave is a wave where the direction of vibration is perpendicular (90 degrees) to the direction of travel (an example would be a wave in the sea), and a longitudinal wave is a wave where the vibration and the direction of travel are in the same direction (an example would be a sound wave or a seismic P-wave).

JC
Answered by Jared C. Physics tutor

3519 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how the resistance of a filament lamp changes as the potential difference across it increase


A rocket travels at 500m/s two minutes after its take-off. If it was initially stationary, calculate its acceleration. If the rocket has a mass of 1800kg, what force is required to give it an acceleration of 2m/s^2?


A roller coaster car starts stationary at the top of a downwards slope. At the bottom of the slope, it has a speed of 30m/s. Use the conservation of energy to find the vertical height of the slope. (Use g=10 m/s^2)


If a car sets off from rest with a constant acceleration of 3 m/(s^2), what would its speed be after 5 seconds?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning