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.

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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.

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