Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam Practice 2025 – Comprehensive Prep

Question: 1 / 2700

Transverse waves can be identified by which of the following characteristics?

Particles moving parallel to the wave

Particles moving in circles

Particles moving perpendicular to the wave direction

Transverse waves are characterized by the motion of particles that move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This means that as the wave travels, the particles of the medium are displaced up and down or side to side, while the energy of the wave moves forward. Examples of transverse waves include vibrations on a string and electromagnetic waves, where the electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it distinguishes transverse waves from longitudinal waves, where the particles move parallel to the direction of wave travel. Recognizing the specific particle motion associated with different types of waves is important in fields such as physics and engineering, where these principles apply to sound, light, and mechanical waves.

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Particles remaining stationary

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