Multiple Choice

A mechanical wave will be transverse or longitudinal depending on

AThe nature of medium
Correct Answer
BThe mode of excitation
Correct Answer
CFrequency
DAmplitude

Solution

Mechanical waves need a material medium to travel.
Transverse waves can travel only in solids and only along the surface of liquids, but not in the entire liquid.
Longitudinal waves can travel in all i.e. solids, liquids, and gases.
$$Thus,$$ $$whether $$ $$the$$ $$wave$$ $$will$$ $$be$$ $$ transverse$$ $$or$$ $$longitudinal$$ $$definitely$$ $$depends $$ $$on$$ $$the$$ $$nature$$ $$of$$ $$the$$ $$medium.$$

Mode of excitation means the manner in which the medium is set into vibrations.
If the vibrations are perpendicular to the length of the medium, then the waves will be transverse.
If they are parallel then it will be longitudinal.
$$For$$ $$example:-$$
Consider a long spring which is horizontal with its one end attached to a wall and the other end is in your hand.
Now if you move your hand back and forth rapidly, then the waves on the spring will be longitudinal.
Instead if you move your hand up and down, then they will be transverse.
$$Thus,$$ $$whether $$ $$the$$ $$wave$$ $$will$$ $$be$$ $$ transverse$$ $$or$$ $$longitudinal$$ $$depends $$ $$also$$ $$on$$ $$the$$ $$mode$$ $$of$$ $$excitation.$$


SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Physical World

Which of the following cannot represent a travelling wave?

Physical World

It is possible to distinguish between the transverse and longitudinal waves by studying the property of

Physical World

Which one of the following does not represent a travelling wave

Physical World

State whether the given statement is True or False : Progressive waves are waves originating from a source such that they never return to the source.

Physical World

Which of the following statements is correct?

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