Which are examples of transverse waves? Check all that apply.

earthquake P-waves
earthquake S-waves
radio waves
sound
visible light
X-rays

1 answer

Transverse waves are those in which the particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Here are the examples from your list, classified by whether they are transverse or not:

  • Earthquake P-waves: These are primary waves and are longitudinal, so they are not transverse.
  • Earthquake S-waves: These are secondary waves and are transverse, so they are transverse.
  • Radio waves: These are electromagnetic waves and are transverse, so they are transverse.
  • Sound: Sound waves in a medium (like air) are longitudinal, so they are not transverse.
  • Visible light: This is also an electromagnetic wave and is transverse, so it is transverse.
  • X-rays: These are electromagnetic waves as well and are transverse, so they are transverse.

Thus, the transverse waves from the list are:

  • Earthquake S-waves
  • Radio waves
  • Visible light
  • X-rays