2. Waves
To classify wave types, and wave properties.
1.9
There are two basic classifications of waves: compressional and transverse.
A transverse wave has its oscillations perpendicular to the direction the wave moves.
A compressional wave has oscillations in the same direction as the wave moves.

3. Recognizing Waves Anytime you see a vibration that moves...
Anything that makes or responds to sound...
Anything that makes or responds to light ...
Anything that transmits information through the air (or space) without wires...
cell phones, radio, and television.
Anything that allows you to “see through” objects...
ultrasound, CAT scans, MRI scans, and X rays

5. Transverse and Compressional Waves
A transverse wave has its oscillations perpendicular to the direction the wave moves.
A Compressional wave has oscillations in the same direction as the wave moves.

6. Transverse Waves
In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The animation below shows a one-dimensional transverse plane wave propagating from left to right. 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.

7. Compressional Waves
In a compressional wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The particles oscillate back and forth about their individual equilibrium positions. Pick a single particle and watch its motion.

10. Energy and Waves
All waves propagate by exchanging energy between two forms.
For water and elastic strings, the exchange is between potential and kinetic energy.
For sound waves, the energy oscillates between pressure and kinetic energy.
In light waves, energy oscillates between electric and magnetic fields.