Light waves are

Light waves are transverse in nature. In a transverse wave, the oscillations occur perpendicular to the direction of the wave's energy transfer. For light, these oscillations consist of varying electric and magnetic fields that are mutually perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.

• Transverse: Oscillations are perpendicular to propagation (e.g., light, radio waves).
• Longitudinal: Oscillations are parallel to propagation (e.g., sound waves).
• Mechanical: Waves that require a medium (e.g., sound, water waves). Light is non-mechanical as it can travel through a vacuum.
• Progressive: Waves that travel through a medium or space, transferring energy. While light is progressive, the term "transverse" specifically describes its fundamental geometric nature often contrasted with sound in physics.