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Waves that travel through a medium in different directions: Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves

Demo of Transverse and Longitudinal Waves: Observe a single point on a Slinky as it's moved by each type of wave.

Translated Waves: Exploration of Transverse and Longitudinal Wave Types
Translated Waves: Exploration of Transverse and Longitudinal Wave Types

Waves that travel through a medium in different directions: Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves

In the realm of educational content, a captivating wave video has been making waves on TikTok. The video, created by user @paulo.ttk2, also known as 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐨♕︎, suggests it was crafted in Magdeburg.

The video, published by Referencing Hub media, presents two types of wave motion: longitudinal and transverse. The longitudinal wave, depicted as a wave moving from left to right, initially pulls back before pushing forward. On the other hand, the transverse wave, also shown in the video, initially rises, falls, and returns to its starting position.

Interestingly, the video does not contain any sound, allowing viewers to focus solely on the wave movements. This silent approach emphasises the pure physics behind the wave motions.

Dr. Michael R Gallis, affiliated with Animations for Physics and Astronomy at Penn State Schuylkill, has not directly commented on the video. However, the educational value of the video is undeniable, as it provides a visually engaging way to understand the fundamental concepts of wave motion.

The video source is CC BY-NC 3.0, meaning it can be shared and adapted for non-commercial purposes, as long as the creator is credited. This opens up opportunities for educators and learners alike to utilise this resource in various educational settings.

Whether you're a student seeking a better understanding of wave motion or a teacher looking for engaging educational content, this wave video is definitely worth a watch.

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