Final answer:
Electromagnetic waves that travel through air, including visible light, are transverse waves. They consist of perpendicular electric and magnetic fields to the direction of propagation and can be polarized.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electromagnetic waves that travel through the air are known as transverse waves. These waves, such as visible light, consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Unlike sound waves, which are longitudinal and involve variations in pressure traveling through a medium, electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and can even travel through a vacuum.
The concept of electromagnetic waves being transverse waves is illustrated by the fact that they can be polarized, just like transverse waves in a rope can be.
Electromagnetic waves that travel through the air are transverse waves. Unlike longitudinal waves where the disturbance is parallel to the direction of propagation, in a transverse wave, the disturbance is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Examples of electromagnetic waves include visible light, radio waves, and X-rays.