Which term correctly describes shear waves?

Which term correctly describes shear waves?

• A. Longitudinal
• B. Surface
• C. Transverse
• D. Circular

Answer: (C)

Shear waves are characterized by motion perpendicular to the direction of travel, so they are described as transverse waves. In solids, they arise from shear stresses and move more slowly than longitudinal waves, which compress and expand in the direction of propagation (that’s why we call those longitudinal). Surface waves travel along boundaries and aren’t defined by shear motion alone, and circular motion isn’t the typical description for these waves. In seismology and modalities like elastography, shear waves are specifically referred to as transverse (S-waves), reflecting their perpendicular particle displacement relative to the wave direction.

Shear waves are characterized by motion perpendicular to the direction of travel, so they are described as transverse waves. In solids, they arise from shear stresses and move more slowly than longitudinal waves, which compress and expand in the direction of propagation (that’s why we call those longitudinal). Surface waves travel along boundaries and aren’t defined by shear motion alone, and circular motion isn’t the typical description for these waves. In seismology and modalities like elastography, shear waves are specifically referred to as transverse (S-waves), reflecting their perpendicular particle displacement relative to the wave direction.