Transverse motion refers to movement that occurs perpendicular to a reference direction, often seen in waves. For example, in a water wave, the water moves up and down while the wave itself travels horizontally. This type of motion is essential in understanding various physical phenomena, including sound and light waves. In the context of mechanics, transverse motion can also describe the movement of objects, such as a pendulum, which swings back and forth in a plane. This motion is characterized by its oscillatory nature, where the object moves away from a central point and then returns, demonstrating the principles of energy transfer and equilibrium.