Characteristic
Periodic waves are characterized by crests (highs) and troughs (lows), and may usually be categorized as either longitudinal or transverse. Transverse waves are those with vibrations perpendicular to the direction of the propagation of the wave; examples include waves on a string and electromagnetic waves. Longitudinal waves are those with vibrations parallel to the direction of the propagation of the wave; examples include most sound waves.
When an object bobs up and down on a ripple in a pond, it experiences an orbital trajectory because ripples are not simple transverse sinusoidal waves.
Ripples on the surface of a pond are actually a combination of transverse and longitudinal waves; therefore, the points on the surface follow orbital paths.
All waves have common behavior under a number of standard situations.
All waves can experience the following:
Reflection - wave direction change from hitting a reflective surface
Refraction - wave direction change from entering a new medium
Diffraction - wave circular spreading from entering a hole of comparable size to their
wavelengths
Interference - superposition of two waves that come into contact with each other (collide)
Dispersion - wave splitting up by frequency
Rectilinear propagation - wave movement in straight lines
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