answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. Think of one wave by itself. Which direction is it propagating? Some direction parallel to the surface of the water. Now think of one particular piece of water that the wave passes through. It's motion goes upwards and downwards, which is perpendicular from the surface of the water, therefore transverse.

Waves oscillating parallel to the direction of energy propagation are called longitudinal.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why are waves on the surface of the water transverse?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Are surface waves transverse or longitudal?

If waves are produced on the surface of water then such a wave is transverse in nature. If we deal with surface waves of radio propagation then those electromagnetic waves too are transverse in nature.


Is a transverse wave a electromagentic wave?

No, the other way round: An electromagnetic wave is a transverse wave.There are other kinds of transverse waves, for example, the waves on a water surface.No, the other way round: An electromagnetic wave is a transverse wave.There are other kinds of transverse waves, for example, the waves on a water surface.No, the other way round: An electromagnetic wave is a transverse wave.There are other kinds of transverse waves, for example, the waves on a water surface.No, the other way round: An electromagnetic wave is a transverse wave.There are other kinds of transverse waves, for example, the waves on a water surface.


Which wave cannot travel through air or water?

THROUGH air or water transverse waves cannot travel. But on the surface of water transverse waves can be produced


Is a water wave transverse or longitudinal?

Water is both a Longitudinal and Transverse Wave. They are Transverse on the surface, this is because the motion of the surface water waves go up and down,which is perpendicular from the still surface of the water. Longitudinal because the underwater goes back and forth which is parallel to the water, making it Longitudinal.


Water waves are longitudial waves?

Waves formed on the surface of water are transverse in nature. But sound waves when propagated through water medium then that will be in longitudinal nature. Cannot be seen on the surface.


Are surface waves compression waves?

No. surface waves on the surface of water is transverse in nature. It has crests and troughs. Compression and rarefaction will be in longitudinal wave. example sound waves.


What kind of wave is a surface wave?

Surface waves are transverse waves.


When a person throws a stone into water why are circular waves formed rather than transverse waves?

Simple answer:When a stone is thrown into quiet water, the circular waves that are formed are transverse waves. We say the waves are circular because the shape of the wave front is circular and we say it is transverse because the surface disturbance is vertical, perpendicular plane of the surface in which the wave moves.The waves have both properties of being circular and transverse.More Explanation:Transverse waves are waves where the direction of the oscillatory motion is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.The waves on the surface of water are a vertical motion of the water.The waves on the surface move on the surface, which is horizontal, so the propagation is in the horizontal direction.Horizontal is perpendicular to vertical, so circular water waves as well as linear water waves are transverse. Indeed, no matter what peculiar shape you produce, the water disturbance is vertical and the motion of propagation is restricted to the horizontal surface.


Compare and contrast 3 types of waves?

Transverse (rope),Longitudinal (spring),and Surface (Water & Air) waves


Are longitudinal waves water waves?

Yes, water waves are a combination of both longitudinal and transverse motions.


What are 3 types of waves?

transverse, longitudial, and surface waves


What kind of waves are not transverse waves?

Waves are often classified as transverse or longitudinal. The sideways vibrations of a string and the surface waves on water are a good examples of transverse waves. Sound waves in fluids (e.g. sound in air, sound traveling under water) are examples of longitudinal waves. In solids, you can have both transverse and longitudinal waves.