As transverse waves, S-waves exhibit properties, such as polarization and birefringence, much like other transverse waves.
22.
In isotropic solids the two transverse waves will be degenerate, as they will be traveling along elastically identical crystallographic planes.
23.
However, longitudinal waves necessarily have only one form for a given propagation direction, rather than two polarizations like transverse wave.
24.
The S-wave moves as a shear or transverse wave, so motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
25.
Hollow waveguides must be one-half wavelength or more in diameter in order to support one or more transverse wave modes.
26.
However, a transverse wave apparently required the propagating medium to behave as a solid, as opposed to a gas or fluid.
27.
With regard to transverse waves in matter, the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
28.
Tesla claimed that electromagnetic radiation consisted of longitudinal waves of compression and rarefaction, rather than transverse waves as called for by Maxwell.
29.
Both longitudinal and transverse waves can be propagated through a solid, while, in general, only longitudinal waves are supported by fluids.
30.
Polarization is an important parameter in areas of science dealing with transverse wave propagation, such as optics, seismology, radio, and microwaves.