Which of the following describes a characteristic of transverse waves?

Transverse waves are characterized by the movement of particles in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels. This means that if the wave is moving horizontally, the individual particles of the medium (such as water, a string, or any solid) will move up and down, creating the crest and trough of the wave.

This perpendicular motion is essential to defining what constitutes a transverse wave, setting it apart from longitudinal waves, where the particles move parallel to the wave's direction of travel. For example, light waves and waves on a string are common examples of transverse waves. Recognizing this fundamental characteristic helps to distinguish between types of waves and their behavior in different media.