Question

which of the following statements about transverse waves is false?
a light wave is an example of a transverse wave.
all transverse waves require a medium.
in transverse waves, particles move up and down in the medium.
transverse waves cannot propagate through gases.

Explanation:

• Light is an electromagnetic transverse wave, so the first statement is true.
• Electromagnetic transverse waves (like light) can travel through a vacuum, meaning not all transverse waves need a medium, so this statement is false.
• Transverse wave particles oscillate perpendicular to wave direction (e.g., up/down), so this statement is true.
• Gases cannot support shear forces needed for transverse waves, so they can't propagate through gases, making this statement true.

Answer:

All transverse waves require a medium.