Transverse and longitudinal waves
Transverse waves
In transverse waves the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction that the energy travels. This is where the name transverse comes from - it means 'across'. All of the electromagnetic waves, eg light, Radiation which transfers heat energy. Part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a longer wavelength than light waves but a shorter wavelength than radio waves., A high energy part of the electromagnetic spectrum associated with sunburn and skin cancer. are A wave that moves in a direction at right angles to the way in which the particles are vibrating., as are water waves.
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Longitudinal waves
With sound waves, the energy travels along in the same direction as the particles vibrate. This type of wave is known as a A wave that moves in the same direction as the way in which the particles are moving., so named because the energy travels along the direction of vibration of the particles.