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Transverse Wave - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Ann Howell

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What is a transverse wave?

In GCSE Physics you need to know about two types of wave transverse and longitudinal. Both wave types transfer energy but not particles when they vibrate. Both wave types are defined by their direction of vibration in relation to their direction of travel. Transverse waves vibrate at right angles to their direction of travel. Electromagnetic waves such as visible light, microwaves, X-rays and gamma rays are an example of transverse waves. Transverse waves can travel through solids, liquids and gases. Unlike longitudinal waves transverse waves can also travel through a vacuum, such as in space.

A hand moves a string of particles up and down. There are labels for wave peak at the top of the string and wave trough at the bottom, wave vibration at 90° to energy transfer with a vertical arrow and wave motion and energy transfer with a horizontal arrow.
The particles in a transverse wave vibrate at right angles to the direction of wave travel

Transverse waves are drawn as a single continuous line, usually with a central line showing the undisturbed position. The curves are drawn so that they are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. These represent the peaks and troughs.

A green line represents a transverse wave with a crest and then a trough, a crest and another trough. A blue arrow pointing to the right represents the direction of energy transfer. A double ended red arrow represents the direction of wave vibration.
Transverse waves are represented by a continuous solid line with peaks and troughs either side of an equilibrium central line.

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Ann Howell

Reviewer: Ann Howell

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Ann obtained her Maths and Physics degree from the University of Bath before completing her PGCE in Science and Maths teaching. She spent ten years teaching Maths and Physics to wonderful students from all around the world whilst living in China, Ethiopia and Nepal. Now based in beautiful Devon she is thrilled to be creating awesome Physics resources to make Physics more accessible and understandable for all students, no matter their schooling or background.

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