Describe a transverse wave.

Transverse wave : 

A wave in which particles of the medium vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave is called transverse wave. 

Example : Ripples on the surface of water, light waves.

Characteristics of transverse waves :

1. All the particles of medium in the path of wave vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave with same period and amplitude. 

2. When transverse wave passes through the medium, the medium is divided into alternate crests i.e., regions of positive displacements and troughs i.e., regions of negative displacement, that are periodic in time.

3. A crest and an adjacent trough form one cycle of a transverse wave. The distance between any two successive crests or troughs is called wavelength ‘λ’ of the wave. 

4. Crests and troughs advance in the medium and are responsible for transfer of energy. 

5. Transverse waves can travel only through solids and not through liquids and gases. Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, but they do not require material medium for propagation.

6. When transverse waves advance through a medium, there is no change of pressure and density at any point of the medium, but the shape changes periodically. 

7. Transverse wave can be polarised. 

8. Medium conveying a transverse wave must possess elasticity of shape, i.e., modulus of rigidity.