What is the characteristic of a transverse wave in terms of displacement?

A transverse wave is defined by the direction of displacement of its particles relative to the wave's direction of travel. Specifically, in a transverse wave, particles of the medium move in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels. This characteristic is evident in common examples such as waves on a string, where the up-and-down motion of the string is at a right angle to the direction in which the wave is propagating along the string.

Understanding this concept is critical because it differentiates transverse waves from longitudinal waves, where the displacement of particles occurs parallel to the wave direction, leading to compressions and rarefactions. In contrast, the perpendicular motion of transverse waves results in the formation of crests and troughs. This fundamental aspect of wave behavior applies not only in physics but also in various applications ranging from sound waves to electromagnetic waves, making it a key concept to grasp.