Transverse wave through a medium

[clickyclicky]

Here's the question:

The transverse wave shown is traveling from left to right in a medium. The direction of the instantaneous velocity of the medium at point P is:

A. no direction since v = 0
B. to the right
C. upwards
D. at an angle upwards and to the right
E. downwards


Here's my (most likely wrong) reasoning. It's a transverse wave so the medium either moves up or down. I'd say at point P the medium is moving downwards because after point P the medium is below the axis? Can someone please explain what I'm not getting here? Thanks

 

[Stonebridge]

As the wave is moving to the right, then the peak you see in the wave which is to the left of P, is moving towards P. Very shortly, P will be at the top of that peak. (The point P cannot move to the left or right itself, only up or down)

 

[kerimek]

The correct answer is C. upwards.

Your reasoning is partially correct. Transverse waves are characterized by the particles of the medium moving perpendicular to the direction of the wave. In this case, the wave is traveling from left to right, so the particles of the medium will be moving up and down.

At point P, the medium is moving upwards because it is at the peak of the wave, where the displacement of the particles is highest. As the wave continues to travel, the medium will then move downwards at the trough of the wave.

It is important to note that the direction of the instantaneous velocity of the medium at any point is always perpendicular to the direction of the wave. This means that at point P, the medium is not moving in the same direction as the wave, but rather perpendicular to it.

I hope this helps clarify any confusion. Keep in mind that understanding the movement of particles in a transverse wave can be tricky, so it's important to visualize the wave and how it affects the medium.