Question

How do particles move when a transverse wave passes through a medium?

Answer 1

Hint : In this question we have to explain how particles of the medium move when a transverse wave passes through the medium. For this, first we will understand what a transverse wave is then we will discuss how particles of the medium will move if the transverse passes through a medium.

Complete Step by step answer:
Transverse wave- Transverse wave is a wave that travels perpendicular to the direction of motion of the wave. The particles in the transverse wave vibrate perpendicular to the motion of the wave. Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. Electric fields and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other in transverse waves. These fields are perpendicular to the direction of motion of the wave.
When a transverse wave travels through a medium the particles of the medium vibrate in the perpendicular direction of the motion of the wave. We can say it in this way also that the particles vibrate at right angles to the motion of the transverse wave.
Result- Hence, from the above explanation we can clearly understand the movement of the particles of the medium when a transverse wave passes through it.

Note- Waves travel in two ways- Transverse and longitudinal. Transverse waves travel perpendicular to the direction of motion of the wave. Light waves, electromagnetic waves, stationary waves are examples of transverse waves.
Longitudinal waves travel in the parallel direction of the motion of the wave in any medium. The particles in longitudinal waves vibrate back and forth at their positions. Sound waves are longitudinal waves.