TYPES OF WAVES

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Waves can be classified according to their ability to propagate.

Types of Waves According to Their Ability to Propagate

Electromagnetic (EM) waves are waves that do not need a medium to propagate. EM waves travel at 3x108m/s.
Mechanical waves are waves that need a medium to propagate. The speed of mechanical waves varies depending on the
medium used.

Examples
There is an array of electromagnetic waves such as gamma rays, x-rays, and microwaves.
Some examples of mechanical waves include earthquake waves, water waves, and sound waves.

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Waves can also be classified based on the direction of their propagation.

Types of Waves According to the Direction of Their Propagation

Transverse waves are waves wherein the oscillation is perpendicular (at ninety degrees) to the direction of the wave
motion or wave propagation.

Longitudinal waves are waves where the oscillation is parallel (in the same direction) to the direction of the wave
motion or wave propagation.

Example
Water waves are examples of transverse waves while sound waves are an example of longitudinal waves.

What do you think?

Can a longitudinal wave be also a transverse or longitudinal wave? Explain.

Key Points
Waves are disturbances in time and space.
Waves can be classified according to the ability to propagate and the direction of propagation.
Waves can be electromagnetic, mechanical, transverse, and longitudinal.