Transverse waves are waves in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation. This is in contrast to longitudinal waves, in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave's propagation.
Some examples of transverse waves include:
- Water waves
- Sound waves
- Electromagnetic waves (including light waves)
In each of these cases, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation. For example, in the case of water waves, the particles of water vibrate up and down, while the wave itself moves forward. In the case of sound waves, the particles of air vibrate back and forth, while the wave itself moves forward. And in the case of electromagnetic waves, the electric and magnetic fields vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation.
