Which type of wave is a light wave?

The correct answer is the Transverse wave.

• Light is a Transverse wave.

Key Points

• Light is a form of energy that is propagated as electromagnetic waves.
• Electromagnetic waves are transverse, hence light is a transverse wave.
• The wave nature of light explains rectilinear propagation, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, and polarization of light.
• In quantum theory, light is regarded as a packet or bundle of energy called the photon.
• Light behaves as wave and particle both. Thus light has dual nature.
• Speed of light is maximum in vacuum and air (3 × 10⁸ m/s).

• Longitudinal Wave:
  • If the particles of the medium vibrate in the direction of propagation of the wave, the wave is called a longitudinal wave.
  • Waves on springs or sound waves in the air are examples of longitudinal waves.
• Transverse Wave:
  • If the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of a wave, the wave is called a transverse wave.
  • Wave on strings under tension, light wave, waves on the surface of the water are examples of transverse waves.