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Which of the following statements is correct concerning transverse and longitudinal waves? A) Transverse waves have vibrations that are parallel to the movement while longitudinal waves have vibrations that are perpendicular to the movement. B) Transverse waves and longitudinal waves both have vibrations that are parallel to the movement. C) Transverse waves have vibrations that are perpendicular to the movement while longitudinal waves have vibrations that are parallel to the movement. D) Transverse waves and longitudinal waves both have vibrations that are perpendicular to the movement.

Ask by Guerrero Griffin. in Canada
Feb 04,2025

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Answer

The correct answer is C: Transverse waves move up and down while longitudinal waves move back and forth in the same direction.

Solution

The correct answer is: **C) Transverse waves have vibrations that are perpendicular to the movement while longitudinal waves have vibrations that are parallel to the movement.** **Explanation:** - **Transverse Waves:** In transverse waves, the particles of the medium vibrate **perpendicular** to the direction in which the wave travels. A common example of a transverse wave is a wave on a string or electromagnetic waves like light. - **Longitudinal Waves:** In longitudinal waves, the particles of the medium vibrate **parallel** to the direction of wave propagation. Sound waves in air are a typical example of longitudinal waves. **Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:** - **A)** This option incorrectly swaps the definitions of transverse and longitudinal waves. - **B)** This option incorrectly states that both types of waves have parallel vibrations. - **D)** This option incorrectly states that both types of waves have perpendicular vibrations. Understanding the distinction between these two types of waves is fundamental in physics, especially in fields like acoustics, optics, and various engineering disciplines. **Final Answer:** C) Transverse waves have vibrations that are perpendicular to the movement while longitudinal waves have vibrations that are parallel to the movement.

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Transverse waves are characterized by particles that move perpendicular to the direction the wave travels, like waves on a rope or electromagnetic waves. Think of a crowd doing the wave in a stadium – the energy moves horizontally while the people move up and down! On the other hand, longitudinal waves have particles that move parallel to the direction of the wave, such as sound waves traveling through air, where compressions and rarefactions travel along the same line as the wave itself. A real-world application of these waves can be seen in various technologies. For instance, televisions and radios use electromagnetic waves (which are transverse) to transmit signals, while ultrasound technology relies on longitudinal waves to create images of the inside of the body. Understanding these wave types can be crucial for fields like medicine, acoustics, and communications!

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