Here's why:

* Transverse waves have oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction the wave travels.

* Light is an electromagnetic wave, meaning it consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields.

* These electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction the light wave travels.

Other examples of transverse waves include:

* Waves on a string (like a guitar string)

* Seismic S-waves (which travel through the Earth's interior)

* Ripples on the surface of water