Transverse waves cause the medium to move perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Longitudinal waves cause the medium to move parallel to the direction of the wave.

Is a longitudinal wave perpendicular?

Transverse waves are always characterized by particle motion being perpendicular to wave motion. A longitudinal wave is a wave in which particles of the medium move in a direction parallel to the direction that the wave moves. ... Longitudinal waves are always characterized by particle motion being parallel to wave motion.

Is parallel motion a longitudinal wave?

In a longitudinal wave, the medium oscillates PARALLEL to the direction of velocity. Moving the hand left and right would result in a TRANVERSE wave because the medium would be oscillating perpendicular to the direction of the velocity.