PHYSICS

JAMB 2013 - Question 26

Physics 2013 JAMB Past Questions - Question 26: A transverse wave and a longitudinal wave travelling in the same direction in a medium differ essentially in their

Choose the correct answers from the options given.
A transverse wave and a longitudinal wave travelling in the same direction in a medium differ essentially in their
A:
B:
C:
D:
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Correct Answer

C

Explanation

A transverse wave is one that is propagated in a direction perpendicular to the oscillation of the particles of the medium, while longitudinal wave is propagated in the direction in which the particles of the medium oscillate.
A transverse wave and a longitudinal wave differ essentially in their direction of particle oscillation.

In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This means that the displacement of the particles is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave is moving. Examples of transverse waves include light waves and electromagnetic waves.

On the other hand, in a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. This means that the displacement of the particles is in the same direction as the wave is moving. Examples of longitudinal waves include sound waves and seismic waves.

So, the main difference between these two types of waves lies in the direction of particle oscillation relative to the direction of wave propagation.