Here's why:

* Electromagnetic Waves: Infrared waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation. All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.

* Transverse Wave Characteristics: Transverse waves have oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

* Infrared Wave Oscillations: Infrared waves are made up of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. These fields are perpendicular to the direction the wave travels.

Therefore, infrared waves exhibit the characteristics of transverse waves.