Maths With Matt · Interactive Physics · 2026
Wave Motion Simulation
Compare transverse, longitudinal and water waves — and see the difference between particle motion and wave propagation.
Particle motion ⟂ wave travel
Wave directionEnergy travels →
Selected particlemoves up and down
Key ideaparticle motion is perpendicular to propagation
Surfing connection: in deep-water swell, the wave travels forward while individual water particles mainly move in circular orbits. Those orbits get rapidly smaller with depth.