Which of the following is an example of a transverse wave?

A transverse wave is characterized by particle motion that is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In the case of waves on a string, when the string is plucked or disturbed, the oscillations of the string occur up and down while the wave travels along the length of the string. This motion creates crests and troughs, clearly demonstrating the perpendicular relationship between particle motion and wave direction, which is the defining feature of transverse waves.

On the other hand, sound waves in air, pressure waves in fluids, and seismic P-waves all involve particle motion that is parallel to the direction of wave movement, which corresponds to longitudinal waves. In longitudinal waves, regions of compression and rarefaction move through the medium in the same direction as the wave travels, lacking the perpendicular motion seen in transverse waves. Therefore, waves on a string are the clear example of transverse waves in this context.