NDA2024General AbilityGeneral ScienceActual
Which one of the following does not apply to sound waves in fluids?
Options
- AThey transport energy
- BThey need a medium to travel
- CThey are transverse
- DThey travel faster in liquids than in gases
Correct answer
C. They are transverse
Step-by-step solution
Sound waves in fluids (liquids and gases) are longitudinal waves, not transverse. This means the vibrations occur in the same direction as the wave's propagation. Sound waves do transport energy and require a medium to travel because they propagate through the vibration of particles in the medium. The speed of sound generally increases in liquids compared to gases because liquids are denser and transmit sound more effectively.