Can electromagnetic waves be transverse and longitudinal?
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Ethan Wilson
Works at SpaceX, Lives in Los Angeles. Graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Electromagnetic waves are a form of energy that can travel through a vacuum, such as space, and are characterized by their oscillating electric and magnetic fields. These fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. This means that **electromagnetic waves are exclusively transverse waves**.
In contrast, longitudinal waves, such as sound waves in air or water waves, have oscillations that occur in the same direction as the wave's travel. The particles of the medium through which they travel move parallel to the direction of the wave's energy transfer. Since electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel and their fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation, they cannot be longitudinal.
Works at the Urban Garden Project, Lives in Los Angeles, CA.
Transverse waves. Light and other types of electromagnetic radiation are transverse waves. All types of electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed through a vacuum, such as through space. Water waves and S waves (a type of seismic wave) are also transverse waves.
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Lucas Hall
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Transverse waves. Light and other types of electromagnetic radiation are transverse waves. All types of electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed through a vacuum, such as through space. Water waves and S waves (a type of seismic wave) are also transverse waves.
