| English | Transverse wave |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Gelombang melintang |
| 中文 | 横波 |
Definition
A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction the wave travels, such as water waves and light.
In exam terms
A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles (perpendicular) to the direction in which the wave travels. Its shape is made of crests (highest points) and troughs (lowest points).
Examples include water waves, waves on a rope, and all electromagnetic waves such as light.
Like any wave, its speed is v = fλ, where v is in m s⁻¹, f in hertz (Hz) and λ in metres (m). Because the vibration is at right angles to travel, a transverse wave can be polarised.
Example of correct use: light is a transverse wave, so it can be polarised, unlike sound.
Do not confuse it with…
Do not confuse a transverse wave with a longitudinal wave. In a transverse wave the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of travel, forming crests and troughs; in a longitudinal wave they vibrate parallel to the direction of travel, forming compressions and rarefactions.
In Paper 2 this is usually asked as state one difference between transverse and longitudinal waves or give an example of a transverse wave. The safe answer states the direction of vibration relative to the direction of energy travel, and names an example such as water waves or light.
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)