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Maths With Matt · Interactive Physics · 2026

Compare transverse, longitudinal and water waves — and see the difference between particle motion and wave propagation.

Particle motion ⟂ wave travel

Amplitude 1.0 Wavelength 2.4 m Animation speed 0.6×

Equilibrium positions Particle trails Teaching labels Orbit guides Surfer

Wave directionEnergy travels →

Selected particlemoves up and down

Key ideaparticle motion is perpendicular to propagation