A Level Physics Practice Exam

In transverse waves, how do particles vibrate relative to wave propagation?

1. In parallel

2. In series

3. Perpendicular

4. In random directions

The correct answer is: Perpendicular

In transverse waves, particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This means that as the wave travels in one direction, the individual particles of the medium move up and down (or side to side) in a direction that is at a right angle to the wave's movement. A common example of transverse waves is light waves or waves on a string. When visualizing this, if the wave travels horizontally, the particles of the medium would oscillate vertically. This characteristic behavior is what differentiates transverse waves from longitudinal waves, where particles move parallel to the direction of wave travel. The choice that indicates particles moving perpendicular aligns directly with the fundamental nature of transverse wave motion, confirming its correctness.