difference between a transverse wave and longitudinal wave
Transverse and longitudinal are two different types of waves. The main difference between transverse and longitudinal waves is that in transverse waves, oscillations occur perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave, whereas in longitudinal waves, oscillations occur parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave.
Best Answer: Transverse waves are like the sine function (snake like) and can travel through a vacuum. Light is an example of a transverse wave. Longitudinal waves (like sound) need a medium (like air) to travel through. Think of a slinky lying on a table and moving one end back & forth along the length. That is a longitudinal wave.