Explain the types of waves based on the direction of oscillations of the particles of the medium.

(N/A) Depending upon the direction of oscillations of the particles of the medium,mechanical waves are classified into the following two categories:
$(1)$ Transverse waves
$(2)$ Longitudinal waves
$(1)$ Transverse Waves: During the propagation of mechanical waves,if the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave,then they are called transverse waves.
Consider a horizontal string tied at one end to a fixed rigid support,which is stretched and kept under proper tension. If a single jerk is given at the free end of this string,a crest or trough (pulse) is formed which travels along the string. The particles of the string move up and down (perpendicular to the direction of wave motion),which is a characteristic of transverse waves.
$(2)$ Longitudinal Waves: During the propagation of mechanical waves,if the particles of the medium oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave,then they are called longitudinal waves. Sound waves in air are a common example of longitudinal waves,where air particles oscillate back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels,creating regions of compressions and rarefactions.