Question

why electromagnetic waves are called transverse waves

Answer 1

A transverse wave is a moving wave that consists of oscillations occurring perpendicular (right angled) to the direction of energy transfer (or the propagation of the wave

Answer 2

Hi friend! !!

Here's the answer to your question :-

In all electromagnetic waves, the electric and magnetic field vectors are not only perpendicular to each other but also to the direction of wave -propagation.
So clearly they show the characteristics of transverse waves in which the particles move in a direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave is travelling or propagating. ..

Hence electromagnetic waves (EM) are transverse waves! !




Hope that clears your doubts!