Which is an example of a transverse wave?

Which is an example of a transverse wave?

• A. Water waves
• B. Sound waves
• C. Electromagnetic waves
• D. Seismic P-waves

Answer: (C)

Transverse waves have vibrations perpendicular to the direction the wave travels. Electromagnetic waves fit this pattern because their electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation (and to each other), and they can travel through empty space without a medium. Water waves aren’t purely transverse—the motion of particles at the surface involves vertical and horizontal components, giving a mix of motions rather than a single transverse pattern. Sound waves are longitudinal, with particles oscillating back and forth along the direction of travel. Seismic P-waves are also longitudinal, compressing and expanding the material in the travel direction. So electromagnetic waves are the clear example of a transverse wave.

Transverse waves have vibrations perpendicular to the direction the wave travels. Electromagnetic waves fit this pattern because their electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation (and to each other), and they can travel through empty space without a medium. Water waves aren’t purely transverse—the motion of particles at the surface involves vertical and horizontal components, giving a mix of motions rather than a single transverse pattern. Sound waves are longitudinal, with particles oscillating back and forth along the direction of travel. Seismic P-waves are also longitudinal, compressing and expanding the material in the travel direction. So electromagnetic waves are the clear example of a transverse wave.