Question

A transverse wave travels along the z-axis. The particles of the medium moves
(A) Along the z-axis
(B) Along the x-axis
(C) Along the y-axis
(D) In the x-y plane

Answer 1

The transverse wave motion is represented by the sinusoidal wave. Assume a single particle with a sinusoidal wave travelling along the z-axis and observe the movement of the particle.

Complete step by step answer:
There are two types of mechanical wave motion: longitudinal wave motion and transverse wave motion of the wave.In longitudinal wave motion, the particles of the medium travel parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave.Transverse wave oscillates in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the propagation of the wave. It is generally represented by sine or cosine waves on the plot. In transverse wave motion, the particles of the medium do not travel with the wave rather they oscillate perpendicular to the wave.In this question, the transverse wave is travelling along the z-axis, therefore, the particles of the medium must be oscillating perpendicular to the z-axis which is obviously the x-y plane.
So, the correct answer is option (D).
Additional information:
The transverse wave has frequency and wavelength. The number of oscillations performed by the wave in one second is the frequency of the wave. If the frequency of the wave increases, the particles of the medium oscillates faster in the x-y plane if the wave is travelling along the z-axis.

Note: If the transverse wave is travelling along the x-axis, the particles of the medium will oscillate in the y-z plane and if the transverse wave travelling along the y-axis then the particles of the medium will move in the x-z plane.