Light wave is a transverse wave. Transverse waves are characterized by oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. In the case of light, electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation. This distinguishes light from longitudinal waves, where oscillations occur parallel to the direction of energy transfer, as in sound waves.
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Light waves are classified as transverse waves (Option [A]). Transverse waves are characterized by oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. In the case of light, electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation. This wave behavior is governed by Maxwell’s equations in classical electromagnetism.
Light waves do not exhibit longitudinal wave characteristics (Option [B]), where oscillations occur parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Longitudinal waves involve compressions and rarefactions, typical of sound waves traveling through air or other mediums.
Therefore, light waves are fundamentally transverse electromagnetic waves. They propagate through vacuum at the speed of light (approximately 3 × 10^8 meters per second) and can travel through transparent materials such as glass or water. The transverse nature of light waves allows for phenomena like polarization, interference, diffraction, and refraction, which are essential in optics and the study of light behavior. Thus, Option [A], transverse wave, accurately describes the wave nature of light.