Transverse Waves

The transverse wave, which is responsible for the movement of light, looks like this diagram. The molecles in such a wave oscillate up and down, but the overall motion of the transfer of energy is perpendicular to this motion (to the right in this diagram).

Types of Waves

There are two main types of waves: longitudinal and transverse. Sound waves are longitudinal (compression) waves, and light waves are transverse. These types of waves affect how we perceive the world in our everyday lives

Sight and Sound Intro.

Both light and sound travel through waves; however, the two types of waves through which they travel are extremely different. The differences between these waves are what allow for sight and sound.