Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2005 2005Moderate

When longitudinal waves propagate through a medium, the particles of the medium:

Correct answer: A. Vibrate parallel to the direction of propagation of waves

  • A. Vibrate parallel to the direction of propagation of waves
  • B. Vibrate perpendicular in to the direction of propagation of waves
  • C. Do not move at all
  • D. Vibrate at an angle of 360° to the direction of waves

Explanation

Fact. In longitudinal waves the movement of the particle is along the direction of the wave i.e the movement of particles is usually parallel to the movement of energy. Whereas in transverse waves the movement of the particle is perpendicular to the direction of the wave i.e the particles are displaced perpendicular to the direction of the traveling wave.

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About Progressive Waves

Progressive waves transfer energy through a medium or space while particles oscillate about their equilibrium positions. The work includes amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, phase difference, wave speed and the progressive wave equation, while distinguishing travelling waves from stationary waves, where the pattern has fixed nodes and antinodes.

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