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Longitudinal Waves

Waves carry energy from one place to another - either via the movement of particles (mechanical waves) or by electromagnetic means - Longitudinal waves are only mechanical waves - no electromagnetic wave is longitudinal.

There are two types of wave: transverse and longitudinal - see here for information on transverse waves.

The vibrations in a longitudinal wave are parallel to the direction in which the energy is travelling. Eg. sound waves.

Because the vibrations are along the same line as energy transmission longitudinal waves cannot be polarised.