Transverse Wave
y(x,t) = A sin(kx − ωt) — particles oscillate ⟂.
Key Notes
Transverse wave: medium particles oscillate PERPENDICULAR to direction of wave propagation.
Examples: waves on a string, light (EM waves), water surface ripples.
Equation: y(x,t) = A·sin(kx − ωt), where A = amplitude, k = wave number, ω = angular frequency.
Polarisation is possible only in transverse waves — direction of oscillation can be in any plane perpendicular to propagation.
Speed: v = ω/k = fλ. Determined by medium properties.
For waves on a string of tension T and linear mass density μ: v = √(T/μ).
Cannot propagate in fluids (gases, ideal liquids) — no shear resistance.
Carry energy and momentum without transferring matter.
Formulas
Travelling wave equation
Wave moving in +x direction.
Wave-speed (string)
T = tension; μ = mass per unit length.
Wave number and frequency
Spatial and temporal angular frequencies.
Wave-speed relation
Speed × period = wavelength.
Important Points
Transverse: particle oscillation ⊥ wave direction. Longitudinal: oscillation || wave direction.
Transverse waves can be POLARISED. Longitudinal CANNOT.
Particles don't travel with the wave — only the disturbance does.
On a string, doubling tension multiplies speed by √2; doubling mass density divides speed by √2.
Light (EM) is transverse but doesn't need a medium — special among transverse waves.
Common confusion: 'wave' and 'particle' moving the same way. NO — particles oscillate; the wave pattern propagates.
Transverse Wave notes from sciphylab (also known as SciPhy, SciPhy Lab, SciPhy Labs, Physics Lab). Class 11 physics revision for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, NEET UG, AP Physics 1/2/C, SAT, and CUET-UG.