transverse
Definition
In physics, a transverse wave is a wave in which the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. This means that the particles of the medium move up and down as the wave passes through them, while the wave itself moves from side to side.
Transverse waves are created by the oscillation of a source that is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. For example, a guitar string vibrates up and down as it produces sound waves.
Transverse waves can be classified by their wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks of the wave. The frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in a given amount of time. The amplitude is the maximum displacement of the medium from its equilibrium position.
Transverse waves are used in a variety of applications, including:
- Telecommunications
- Music
- Optics
- Seismology
How can the word be used?
The surgeon made a transverse incision across her abdomen.
Different forms of the word
Adjective:
lying across or at right angles to a main axis or plane.
Noun:
a transverse line, plane, or section.
Etymology
The word "transverse" comes from the Latin word "transversus", which means "turned across".
The first recorded use of the word "transverse" in English was in the 14th century.
The word "transverse" is a Latin word, and it is related to the Italian word "trasversale" and the Spanish word "transversal".
Question
What does transverse mean?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define and explain the concept of transverse waves. Provide examples of transverse waves and describe their distinctive characteristics. Discuss how transverse waves differ from longitudinal waves and provide a real-world application of transverse waves.
Answer:
Transverse waves are a type of mechanical wave in which the oscillations of the wave occur perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. These waves exhibit a distinct pattern of crests and troughs, creating a perpendicular motion that is characteristic of transverse wave behaviour.
A classic example of a transverse wave is a "water wave." As a disturbance travels across the surface of water, the water particles move up and down (oscillate) perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels. Another example is light, which consists of electromagnetic waves exhibiting transverse behaviour. In light waves, the oscillations of the electric and magnetic fields occur perpendicular to the wave's direction.
Transverse waves are different from longitudinal waves, where oscillations occur parallel to the direction of wave propagation. In longitudinal waves, particles move in a back-and-forth motion, similar to a coiled spring being compressed and stretched.
An important application of transverse waves is in communication through radio and television signals. These signals are transmitted as electromagnetic waves, with their varying electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Antennas and receivers are designed to detect and process these transverse waves, allowing us to receive and decode information for broadcasting.