A wave carries energy without carrying the particles along with it. In a transverse wave the particles vibrate at right angles to the direction the wave travels, like a wave on a rope. In a longitudinal wave they vibrate back and forth along the same direction, squeezing into compressions and spreading into rarefactions, like sound. Switch between the two and watch one marked particle.
MissionCompare the two wave types, then judge how the particles move.Streak 0Best 0
In a longitudinal wave, the particles move:
wave typetransverse
particle motionup and down, across the travel
the wave travels to the right; the particles only vibrate about their home spot.