How are transverse and longitudinal sound waves formed?

In a gas or liquid, sound waves are longitudinal waves. The “wave” is the pressure variation produced by some vibrating source acting on its surrounding material (medium). The vibration produces alternating high and low pressure in the medium. read more

When you hit a steel rod with a hammer, the sound will be different based on where you hit it. If you hit the base, high-energy, fast longitudinal waves form which correspond to a higher ringing sound. If you hit it from the side, slower, lower-energy transverse waves form, that translate to a lower sound. read more

Longitudinal waves, like sound and unlike transverse waves, have vibrations parallel to the direction of motion that the wave is traveling. The different parts of a longitudinal wave are shown below. Sound wave also travel at different speeds depending on the state of matter in which they are traveling through. read more