Transverse waves are waves in which all points on the wave oscillate along paths at right angles to the direction of the wave's advance
. These waves are characterized by the following properties:
- The propagation of transverse waves is possible only through solids and not through liquids or gases
- Transverse waves can exhibit the phenomenon of polarization, which means that the vibration of the particles in a medium takes place in the same place
- Properties such as pressure and density remain constant in a medium when transverse waves are present
Examples of transverse waves include:
- Surface ripples on water
- Seismic S (secondary) waves
- Electromagnetic waves, such as radio and light waves
- Waves on a string
- Stadium or human waves
- Ocean waves
Transverse waves are contrasted with longitudinal waves, where the oscillations occur in the direction of the wave. While transverse waves transfer energy from one place to another without transporting matter, longitudinal waves, such as sound waves, do transport matter through compression and expansion of the material
