In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium vibrate
- A. along the direction of propagation
- B. perpendicular to the direction of propagation
- C. in circles of increasing radius
- D. not at all
Explanation
Light, waves on a string and ripples on water are transverse, with the displacement at right angles to the direction the energy travels. In a longitudinal wave such as sound the vibration is along the direction of travel, producing compressions and rarefactions. Only transverse waves can be polarised, which is the standard experimental test of which type a wave is.