Transverse and Longitudinal Waves: Understanding the Differences

The video tutorial explores the two main types of waves: transverse and longitudinal. It defines a wave as a vibration that transfers energy without moving matter. Transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, while longitudinal waves have oscillations parallel to it. The tutorial also discusses mechanical waves, which require a medium, and electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum. Mechanical waves can be both transverse and longitudinal, whereas electromagnetic waves are only transverse.

Explain the terms 'compression' and 'rarefaction' in the context of longitudinal waves.

What are the differences between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves?