Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves | 3D Simulation

About this simulation

Transverse vs Longitudinal compares two waves with the same speed, each made of 70 particles. In the transverse row the particles move at right angles to the wave direction; in the longitudinal row they move along it, forming compressions and rarefactions. Students change wavelength, amplitude and frequency, and follow the tracked red particle to see that it only oscillates about its rest position. Readouts show wave speed, period and wavenumber. It makes clear that waves carry energy, not matter.

What students can explore

Follow the red particle in each row and describe its motion.
Change Wavelength and watch the Wave speed readout update.
Raise Frequency and compare the Period T readout.
Increase Amplitude and note how the longitudinal row stays capped.
Find compressions and rarefactions in the longitudinal row.

Learning objectives

1Distinguish transverse from longitudinal waves.
2Use v = f times lambda to relate speed, frequency and wavelength.
3Explain that waves transfer energy without moving particles along.
4Give examples such as rope, light, sound and springs.

Questions teachers ask

Is the Wave Types simulation free?

Yes. It is free to use, needs no sign-up and runs in any modern browser, including whiteboards, tablets and Chromebooks.

Which waves are transverse and which longitudinal?

Waves on a rope and light are transverse. Sound in air and pulses on a spring are longitudinal, with particles moving back and forth along the direction of travel.

How do I use it?

Change wavelength, amplitude and frequency, then watch both rows. Track the red particle in each to see that it stays near its place while the pattern moves along.

Do the particles travel with the wave?

No. Each particle oscillates about a fixed rest position. Only the pattern and its energy move along the medium.

Embed this simulation

Drop it into your LMS, blog, or class site — free.

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