As a transverse wave travels along a slinky, what is the direction of motion of the slinky wire at point P as the wave passes through this point?

• A. At an angle of $45°$ to the direction of wave propagation
• B. There is no motion of the slinky wire at point P
• C. Parallel to the direction of wave propagation
• D. Perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a transverse wave is characterized by particle motion that is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels.
2. Identify the direction of wave propagation along the slinky, which is the direction the wave energy moves through the medium.
3. Recognize that at any point on the slinky (such as point P), the particles of the slinky move up and down or side to side, but not along the direction of the wave's travel.
4. Recall that this perpendicular motion is what distinguishes transverse waves from longitudinal waves, where particle motion is parallel to wave propagation.
5. Conclude that the motion of the slinky wire at point P, as the transverse wave passes, is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.