Question

A transverse wave, on the other hand, is a type of wave that transfers energy
to the direction of wave motion.

Answer 1

That sentence is incorrect as written. A clearer, correct version:

"A transverse wave is a type of wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation; the wave (and the energy it carries) travels along the direction of wave propagation while the medium oscillates at right angles to it."

Brief points:
- Particle motion: perpendicular to wave motion (e.g., up and down while the wave travels left–right).
- Energy transport: along the direction the wave propagates.
- Examples: waves on a string, surface water waves (partly transverse), and electromagnetic waves (fully transverse).
- Contrast: in a longitudinal wave the particles oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation (e.g., sound in air).
- Mathematical form (one dimension): y(x,t) = A sin(kx − ωt) describes transverse displacement y while the wave moves in x; wave speed v = ω/k = fλ.
- Transverse waves can be polarized; longitudinal waves cannot (in bulk media).