Types of Wave Motion

• Waves can involve different types of oscillations, but the two main types of wave motion are transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Transverse Waves

• In transverse waves, oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

• That is, if the wave is moving in a forward direction, the oscillations occur in an up-and-down direction.

• Examples of transverse waves:

• All electromagnetic waves

• Seismic S-waves

• Waves caused by moving a rope up and down

Transverse waves involve oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

(Image: © Dan Russell)

Longitudinal Waves

• In longitudinal waves, oscillations are in line with the direction of the wave.

• That is, if the wave is moving in a forward direction, the oscillations occur in a back-and-forth direction.

• Examples of longitudinal waves:

• Sound waves

• Seismic P-waves

Longitudinal waves involve oscillations that are in line with the direction of energy transfer.

(Image: © Dan Russell)

Surface Waves

• In surface waves, oscillations are circular.

• These can be considered as a hybrid between transverse and longitudinal waves.

• Surface waves occur at the interface of two different media.

• Examples of surface waves:

• Waves in water (although these are often incorrectly described as transverse waves)

• Seismic surface waves

Surface waves involve circular oscillations at an interface between different media.

(Image: © Dan Russell)