Question

What are transverse waves? Give two examples.

Answer 1

Transverse Waves -

1. Wave in which the particles of the medium oscillate about their mean position in a direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave is called a transverse wave.
2. Transverse waves can travel through solids and over the surface of liquids, but not through gases.

E.g. -

1. The water waves (ripples) produced on the surface of the water are transverse waves. In water waves, the molecules of water move up and down from their mean positions.
2. A pulse on a slinky when it is given a jerk is a transverse wave.
3. All electromagnetic waves, e.g., light waves, radio waves, etc., are transverse waves.