regarding transformers, toroidal power units, and o/u power: what are longitudinal waves?

Question

I understand that longitudinal waves are some kind of electromagnetic phenomenon, but I don;t understand how they may be distinct from commonly referred to electromagnetic forces.

Answer 1

I'm not sure what you're thinking of exactly. A longitudinal wave is one which propagates due to a vector quantity oscillating in the direction of propagation. Sound is an example, where the vector is air displacement. EM waves in free space oscillate orthogonally to the direction of propagation, so are called transverse waves.