Why are electromagnetic waves sometimes called transverse waves?

Answer 1

Because the theory is that this is what the form is. If it were a longitudinal or compressional form (such as sound) it would need to travel through a medium of some sort to compress the particles of that medium. But electromagnetic radiation can travel even in a vacuum.

Answer 2

Transverse waves are a type of mechanical wave. A mechanical wave is a wave that needs a medium (type of substance such as gas, liquid or solid) to travel through. Transverse waves move the medium perpendicular to the energy. Transverse waves are like ocean waves.

Electromagnetic waves are waves that don't need a medium to travel on. Electromagnetic waves can be transverse or longitudinal. Longitudinal waves are waves that that compress and rarefact or get close together/bunch up and stretch apart.

Answer 3

because the oscillations of the waves are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer and travel.

Answer 4

That means that the changes in the electric and magnetic field are at right angles to the direction in which the wave moves.

Answer 5

Because the vibrations of the field are perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.