There are a variety of ways to categorize waves. One way is to categorize waves as being transverse waves, longitudinal waves, or surface waves. Waves in each of these categories differ from one another in terms of how the direction of the particle motion compares to the direction of the wave motion. The waves traveling through the rope are transverse waves. For transverse waves, compare the direction that the particles move to the direction that the wave moves?

The direction of the particles is perpendicular to the direction that the wave moves.

Explanation:

For transverse waves, the direction of vibrations of the particles of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the waves. This implies that, the direction of vibrations of the particles of the medium is at a right angle to the direction of movement of the waves. Thus, transverse waves only can be polarized. Examples are; water waves, light waves, waves produced by a vibrating rope etc.