Table of Contents

Transverse and Longitudinal waves

Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

Interactive simulation • Drag sliders • Works perfectly on mobile • No scrolling needed

Transverse Wave

Particles move perpendicular
(up & down) to wave travel direction

Longitudinal Wave

Particles move parallel
(left & right) → watch compressions & rarefactions

Amplitude 40

Frequency 1.0 Hz

Wavelength 250 px

1. Transverse Wave (The Flick)

The Action: You flick your hand up and down.
The Result: A bump travels from your hand to the wall, but the rope moves up and down.

Transverse and Longitudinal Waves Interactive Simulation And Animation

2. Longitudinal Wave (The Push)

The Action: You push your hand forward and back along the length of the rope.
The Result: A bunching up (compression) travels down the rope, untangling as it goes.

The Difference

Transverse: Vibration is across the rope. (Like shaking a snake).
Longitudinal: Vibration is along the rope. (Like pushing a domino).