# Waves

A wave carries energy from place to place without carrying matter. Transverse waves wiggle at right angles to the direction of travel. Longitudinal waves push and pull along it.

Physics (school) · Part 05: Waves, sound and light · Card 1 of 8 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

A Mexican wave in a stadium: the wave travels round, but each person only stands up and sits down.

## In practice

Light and water ripples are transverse. Sound is longitudinal.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **Are waves transverse or longitudinal: light, sound?** Light is transverse. Sound is longitudinal.

### Interview questions

**Describe two differences between sound waves and light waves.**

- Sound is longitudinal and light is transverse
- Sound needs a material but light can cross a vacuum
- Light is much faster than sound

## Questions people ask

### What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

In a transverse wave the vibration is at right angles to the direction the wave travels, like ripples on water. In a longitudinal wave the vibration is along the same direction, forming squashed and stretched regions, like a sound wave or a pushed spring.

### Do waves carry matter?

No. Waves transfer energy, but the material they travel through only vibrates about its position. A cork on the sea bobs up and down as waves pass, but it does not travel with them. It stays near the same place unless wind or currents move it.

## Related concepts

- [Electromagnetic spectrum](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-5/physics-school-part-5-concept-6)
- [Sound](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-5/physics-school-part-5-concept-7)
- [Amplitude, wavelength and frequency](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-5/physics-school-part-5-concept-2)
- [Wave speed equation](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-5/physics-school-part-5-concept-3)

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