In which direction do the particles of a medium oscillate in a transverse wave?

In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction in which the wave propagates. This means that if the wave is moving horizontally, the particles of the medium move up and down. This can be observed in ripples on the surface of water or in the vibration of a guitar string when plucked. The defining characteristic of a transverse wave is this perpendicular movement, which distinguishes it from longitudinal waves, where particle motion is parallel to wave propagation. Understanding this behavior is essential in recognizing wave properties and their unique characteristics in different media.