Which statement best describes a transverse wave?

Which statement best describes a transverse wave?

• A. Transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to the direction of travel; light is an example
• B. Transverse waves have oscillations parallel to the direction of travel; sound is an example
• C. Longitudinal waves have oscillations perpendicular to the direction of travel; light is an example
• D. Both perpendicular and parallel oscillations can be seen in transverse waves

Answer: (A)

In a transverse wave, the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction the wave travels. Light is a classic example because its oscillating electric and magnetic fields lie at right angles to the direction of propagation. Sound, on the other hand, travels as a longitudinal wave, where the particles oscillate in the same direction as the wave is moving. The idea that a transverse wave has both perpendicular and parallel oscillations doesn’t fit a single wave’s motion, since that would describe more than one type of displacement. So the statement about perpendicular oscillations with light as an example is the accurate description.

In a transverse wave, the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction the wave travels. Light is a classic example because its oscillating electric and magnetic fields lie at right angles to the direction of propagation.

Sound, on the other hand, travels as a longitudinal wave, where the particles oscillate in the same direction as the wave is moving. The idea that a transverse wave has both perpendicular and parallel oscillations doesn’t fit a single wave’s motion, since that would describe more than one type of displacement. So the statement about perpendicular oscillations with light as an example is the accurate description.