What is a common characteristic of a transverse wave?

A common characteristic of a transverse wave is that particles move in a direction perpendicular to wave propagation. In this type of wave, the oscillations or vibrations of the medium are at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels. For example, when you produce a wave by shaking one end of a rope up and down, the wave travels horizontally along the rope while the individual points on the rope move up and down, demonstrating this perpendicular motion.

This distinguishing feature of transverse waves can be observed in various contexts, including water waves, electromagnetic waves (such as light), and seismic S-waves. Understanding this characteristic helps differentiate transverse waves from longitudinal waves, where particle motion occurs parallel to wave propagation.