in what direction is matter displaced in a transverse wave?

Matter in a transverse wave is displaced at a right angle (perpendicular) to the direction of energy transfer or wave propagation. This means that if the wave is moving forward in one direction, the particles of the medium move up and down or side to side, perpendicular to that direction. For example, in a transverse wave traveling horizontally, the matter oscillates vertically or perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel. This is a defining characteristic of transverse waves, such as light waves or waves on a string. In summary, the displacement of matter in a transverse wave is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave propagates.