Physics Insights: Transverse Waves and Their Properties

by Yuvi K - December 17, 2023

What is Transverse Wave?

A transverse wave is a type of wave that moves energy across a medium from side to side, or along a perpendicular plane or axis. It is a type of surface wave that moves energy in two directions perpendicular to each other. Examples of transverse waves include sine waves, earthquake waves, ocean waves, and light waves. In the natural world, there are many examples of transverse wave behaviour, including seismic activity, sound, light, and heat.

Components of Transverse Wave

A transverse wave is composed of two components: crests and troughs. Crests are the highest points of the wave and have a positive charge, while troughs are the lowest points and have a negative charge. The amplitude of a transverse wave is the distance between the crests and troughs. The wavelength of a transverse wave is the distance between two successive crests.

Transverse Wave Properties (गुण)

• Amplitude (प्रकाशः): The amplitude of a transverse wave is the maximum displacement from its equilibrium position. This is typically measured in meters or feet, depending on the scale of the wave.

• Wavelength (वेललेंथः): The wavelength of a transverse wave is the distance between two successive crests. It is usually measured in meters or feet, depending on the scale of the wave.

• Frequency (आवृत्तिः): The frequency of a transverse wave is the number of complete cycles that the wave completes in a given time period. This is usually measured in hertz (Hz).

• Speed (गतिः): The speed of a transverse wave is how fast the wave is moving through the medium that it is travelling through. This is usually measured in meters per second (m/s).

Transverse Wave Behaviour (व्यवहार)

When a transverse wave is created, it will travel through the medium in which it is created until it reaches its equilibrium position. As it travels through the medium, it will experience reflection, refraction, and diffraction.

Reflection (प्रतिबिम्बः): Reflection is when a wave bounces back after hitting a barrier. This is due to the conservation of energy, as the energy is conserved and thus continues to move in the opposite direction.

Refraction (स्थानीयः): Refraction is when a wave changes direction as it travels through different mediums. This is due to the different densities of each medium causing the wave to bend and change direction.

Diffraction (पारदर्शनः): Diffraction is when a wave spreads out when it passes through a hole or edge. This is due to the boundary condition of the wave causing the energy to spread out after it passes through a barrier.

Conclusion

Transverse waves are a type of surface wave that move energy across a medium from side to side. They are composed of two components, crests and troughs, and have distinct properties, such as amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and speed. Additionally, when a transverse wave is created, it will experience reflection, refraction, and diffraction as it travels through the medium. Transverse waves are found in nature in phenomena, such as seismic activity, sound, light, and heat.