Transverse and longitudinal waves

Waves are used to transport energy or information. When a wave travels through a medium such as water or air, it is the wave and not the medium that is travelling.
Transverse waves are caused by vibrations that are perpendicular to their energy transfer. Examples of transverse waves are light and water ripples.
Longitudinal waves are caused by vibrations that are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
- Longitudinal waves consist of compressions, where matter is pushed together, and rarefactions, where it is pulled apart.
- Sound is an example of a longitudinal wave. It is produced by a vibrating object and travels through air by creating compressions and rarefactions in it.

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