Transverse waves

Beginner

Oscillation perpendicular to propagation, like waves on a string.

Key relationwave

In a transverse wave the particles move perpendicular to the direction the wave travels: ripples on a rope, light, S-waves. They can be polarised.

Worked example

Flicking one end of a rope up and down sends a wave along it.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the particle motion with the wave velocity.

In more detail

In a transverse wave, particles oscillate at right angles to the direction the wave travels. Waves on a rope and light waves are transverse.

Shaking a rope creates a transverse wave that moves along its length.
Light polarisation is possible only for transverse waves.
Engineers study transverse waves on a rope or a cable to find how vibrations travel along a bridge stay.

Can sound be transverse?

Not in fluids. Sound in gases and liquids is longitudinal, while in solids both types can occur.

What is the peak of a transverse wave?

The maximum displacement from equilibrium, which is the amplitude.

Is a light wave transverse?

Yes. Electric and magnetic fields oscillate at right angles to the direction of travel, which makes light transverse.