Transverse waves oscillation direction

AI Thread Summary
In a transverse wave traveling along the x-axis, particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This means the oscillation occurs in the yz plane, not the xy plane. While particles may have velocity components in both the y and z directions, their overall motion remains confined to the yz plane. The key point is that the oscillation direction is perpendicular to the x-axis, confirming that particles do not move parallel to it. Thus, the oscillation of particles in a transverse wave is indeed parallel to the yz plane.
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Homework Statement


A transverse wave travels along x-axis . what is direction of oscillation of particles ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I think the answer is xy plane but Wikipedia says its yz plane . Please explain how?
 
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Particles that are a part of a transverse wave oscillate perpendicular to the propagation of the wave. So, if the wave moves along the x-axis, then the particles must move in the yz plane and mustn't move in any direction parallel to the x-axis.
 
the particle move perpendicular to x-axis but arent they in xy plane
images.jpg
 
The particles themselves are in the xy plane, but look at the arrows. The velocity of any given particle is 100% perpendicular to the x-axis. The particles may move in the y direction; they may move in the z direction. Heck, they may even have velocity components in the y direction and in the z direction. It doesn't matter. Knowing the fact that the transverse wave propagates along the x-axis, it is safe to say that the particles are oscillating in any arbitrary orientation in the yz plane. We cannot say that they are doing the same in the xy plane or in the xz plane.
 
so are they parallel to yz plane or on the yz plane
 
The particles oscillate parallel to the yz plane.
 
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