Transverse wave
A wave in which particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. Examples include electromagnetic waves (electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to propagation direction) and waves on a string or water surface (particles move up-down while wave travels horizontally). Transverse waves exhibit polarisation.
Real World
Polaroid sunglasses reduce glare from roads and water by blocking horizontally polarised light reflected from flat surfaces — only possible because light is a transverse wave.
Exam Focus
When asked to distinguish transverse from longitudinal, explicitly state oscillation direction relative to energy transfer direction.
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