Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Wave Motion and Waves on a String
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] · Physics · Wave Motion and Waves on a String
A wave travelling in a gas
A wave travelling in a gas
Options
- Amust be transverse
- Bmay be transverse
- Cmust be longitudinal
- Dmay be longitudinal
Correct answer
D. may be longitudinal
Step-by-step solution
be either a mechanical wave or an electromagnetic wave.
If the wave is mechanical, such as a sound wave, it must be longitudinal. This is because gases lack shear modulus and cannot support transverse mechanical waves.
If the wave is electromagnetic, such as a light wave, it is transverse in nature and can propagate through a gas.
Therefore, a wave travelling in a gas may be transverse or may be longitudinal.
If the wave is mechanical, such as a sound wave, it must be longitudinal. This is because gases lack shear modulus and cannot support transverse mechanical waves.
If the wave is electromagnetic, such as a light wave, it is transverse in nature and can propagate through a gas.
Therefore, a wave travelling in a gas may be transverse or may be longitudinal.