What type of wave is characterized by oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation?

A transverse wave is defined by the orientation of its oscillations, which occur perpendicular to the direction in which the wave is traveling. This means that if a transverse wave is moving horizontally, the oscillations occur vertically. Common examples of transverse waves include light waves and waves on strings.

In contrast, longitudinal waves involve oscillations that occur in the same direction as wave propagation. This means that for longitudinal waves, like sound waves, the particles of the medium move back and forth parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Standing waves are a specific formation that can occur in both longitudinal and transverse modes, where two waves interfere and create nodes and antinodes, but they are not defined solely by how their oscillations relate to the propagation direction. Surface waves, such as water waves, exhibit a combination of movements, where particles move in circular paths, which is different from the strict perpendicular movement of transverse waves.

Thus, the defining characteristic of transverse waves makes it clear why this answer is the appropriate choice for the question regarding the type of wave where oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.