Which of the following correct describes a characteristic of particles in a transverse wave?

In a transverse wave, particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels. This means that if the wave is moving horizontally, the particles of the medium move up and down, creating crests and troughs. This characteristic is fundamental to understanding how transverse waves behave, as it distinguishes them from longitudinal waves, where particles move back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels.

The concept of particles oscillating in a direction at right angles to the wave's direction is crucial in various applications of physics, such as in the study of light waves, seismic waves, and even waves on strings. Understanding this behavior helps clarify how energy is transferred through a medium in the context of wave motion and propagation.