How do particles move in transverse waves?

In transverse waves, particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

In more detail, transverse waves are a type of wave where the oscillations or vibrations of the particles are at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels. Imagine a wave moving from left to right; in a transverse wave, the particles of the medium move up and down or side to side, but not in the direction the wave is travelling. This is different from longitudinal waves, where particles move parallel to the wave's direction.

A common example of a transverse wave is a wave on a string. If you flick one end of a rope up and down, you create waves that travel along the rope. The individual particles of the rope move up and down, while the wave itself moves horizontally along the length of the rope. Another everyday example is light waves, which are electromagnetic waves and also transverse in nature.

In transverse waves, the highest points are called crests, and the lowest points are called troughs. The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs is known as the wavelength. The amplitude of the wave is the maximum displacement of the particles from their rest position, which is a measure of the wave's energy.

Understanding the movement of particles in transverse waves is crucial for analysing various physical phenomena, such as the behaviour of light, water waves, and even seismic waves that travel through the Earth during an earthquake. By studying these waves, we can gain insights into the properties of different materials and the nature of energy transfer in various contexts.