As a field expert in physics, I can explain the fundamental differences between longitudinal and transverse waves. Longitudinal Waves: In longitudinal waves, the particles of the medium through which the wave is traveling move parallel to the direction of the wave's propagation. This means that the displacement of the medium occurs along the same line as the wave's movement. A classic example of a longitudinal wave is a sound wave in air, where the air molecules compress and rarefy (expand) as the wave passes. Transverse Waves: On the other hand, transverse waves involve the medium's particles moving perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation. This means that the displacement is at a right angle to the direction in which the wave is moving. A common example of a transverse wave is a wave on a string, like a plucked guitar string, where the string moves up and down while the wave travels along the string. read more >>

What is the difference between Transverse and Longitudinal waves? Transverse Waves: Displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. ... Longitudinal Waves: Displacement of the medium is parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave.read more >>