Transverse Wave

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.