Question #2d59a
1 Answer
Apr 15, 2014
In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation! The particles do not move down the tube with the wave; they simply oscillate back and forth about their individual equilibrium positions.
In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The particles do not move along with the wave; they simply oscillate up and down about their individual equilibrium positions as the wave passes by.
