Slinkys or springs is one of the best ways to conceptualize a wave. Three types of waves are:
transverse - If you hold both ends of the spring in place and then shake one end in a direction perpendicular to the springs length, you will see a transverse wave. It looks like a lump sticking out of it and moving down the spring.
longitudinal - If you hold both ends of the spring in place and then push one end towards the other end forward and backwards, you will see a longitudinal wave. It looks like a dense spot in the spring/slinky that moves towards the other end.
surface - For this type of wave, it is easiest to picture a ripple in a pond. Every particle moves both transverse and longitudinal. Every particle moves in a circular path.
Copyright © 2026 eLLeNow.com All Rights Reserved.