What happens whenever a transverse wave travelling in a denser medium, is reflected from the boundary of the rarer medium?
Correct answer: A. The direction of its displacement remains the same
- A. The direction of its displacement remains the same
- B. The direction of its displacement is reversed
- C. The displacement disappears
- D. The displacement becomes double
Explanation
When a transverse wave traveling in a denser medium is reflected from the boundary of a rarer medium, the direction of its displacement remains the same. This is because transverse waves, by nature, oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation, and this characteristic does not alter upon reflection. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because:Option B: The displacement direction is not reversed in transverse waves upon reflection.Option C: The displacement does not disappear; the wave continues to exist and carry energy.Option D: The displacement does not become double merely due to reflection.
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Progressive waves transfer energy through oscillations, with wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed related by v = fλ; sound speed depends on the medium. Superposition produces interference and stationary waves in strings and organ pipes, while simple harmonic motion describes the oscillation itself and must be distinguished from wave propagation.
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