Final answer:
Transverse waves are those where the medium oscillates perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel, such as light and waves on strings of musical instruments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Waves that have matter moving back and forth at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels are known as transverse waves. These waves are characterized by the oscillation of the medium being perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. For instance, the waves on the strings of musical instruments are transverse, as well as electromagnetic waves, such as visible light. On the other hand, longitudinal waves have oscillations of the medium parallel to the wave's direction of travel, as seen in sound waves in air and water.