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Difference Between Longitudinal Wave and Transverse Wave

Mechanical waves are classified by the direction in which particles of the medium vibrate relative to the wave.

In short

In a longitudinal wave the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel (compressions and rarefactions); in a transverse wave the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of travel (crests and troughs).

Longitudinal Wave vs Transverse Wave - Comparison Table

BasisLongitudinal WaveTransverse Wave
Particle vibrationParallel to wave motionPerpendicular to wave motion
FormCompressions & rarefactionsCrests & troughs
MediumSolid, liquid or gasMainly solids and surfaces
Can travel in vacuum?No (mechanical)Only if electromagnetic
PolarisationCannot be polarisedCan be polarised
ExampleSound wavesLight, waves on a string

Want to understand this fully? Read the Physics notes on this chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions - Longitudinal Wave vs Transverse Wave

Is sound a longitudinal or transverse wave?
Sound is a longitudinal wave - the air particles vibrate back and forth parallel to the direction the sound travels, creating compressions and rarefactions.
Why can only transverse waves be polarised?
Polarisation restricts vibrations to one plane. Transverse waves vibrate perpendicular to their direction so they can be confined to a plane, but longitudinal vibrations are along the direction of travel and cannot be polarised.

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