Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsWave Motion and Waves on a String
A mechanical wave travels in a medium along the X -axis. The particles of the medium
Options
- Amust move along the X -axis
- Bmust move along the Y -axis
- Cmay move along the X -axis
- Dmay move along the Y -axis
Correct answer
D. may move along the Y -axis
Step-by-step solution
A mechanical wave can be either longitudinal or transverse. For a longitudinal wave travelling along the X -axis, the particles of the medium oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation, which is along the X -axis. For a transverse wave travelling along the X -axis, the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation, which can be along the Y -axis or Z -axis. Thus, the particles may move along the X -axis or may move along the Y -axis.