Test to distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Got this question for homework and after scouring google I still don't have a clue.

Which physics test is used to distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves?

Any ideas?

Reply 1

Manitude

Perhaps that you can polarise transverse waves but not longitudinal?

Reply 2

ekul

Manitude

Perhaps that you can polarise transverse waves but not longitudinal?

Yep this is true, by passing transverse waves through a polarising filter...

Transverse waves have wave vibrations at right angles (perpendicular) to the direction of travel, and longitudnal waves have vibrations along the direction of travel.

Examples of transverse waves are all electromagnetic waves, and an example of a longitudinal wave is sound :smile:

Reply 3

SaRuCricket

Yep, after passing through polarisation filter, if intensity has lowered it is transverse, if not then it is longitudinal (longitudinal waves can't be polarised).

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