Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/definitions/longitudinal-transverse-waves/

# Longitudinal & Transverse Waves

## Transverse Waves

A transverse wave causes the particles in the medium (the substance that the wave travels through) to vibrate at right angles to the direction of the wave’s motion. A cork in water and the coils of a spring are examples of this. They move up and down as the wave passes.

![Transverse Waves](https://assets-cdn.senecalearning.com/assets/images/aa5387d1cc0f41cc0300e768819bc3a32e1e08bd-480x300.png?q=90)

## Longitudinal Waves

A longitudinal wave causes the medium’s particles to vibrate in the same direction as the wave’s motion. Examples of longitudinal waves are sound waves and pushing a spring in and out.

![Longitudinal Waves](https://assets-cdn.senecalearning.com/assets/images/aa5387d1cc0f41cc0300e768819bc3a32e1e08bd-480x300.png?q=90)