The motion of a transverse wave can be illustrated by a rope. When a wave travels along a rope, it creates displacements perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation. This type of wave can be visualized by shaking one end of the rope up and down, causing waves to move along its length while the individual points on the rope move up and down. In contrast, longitudinal waves involve displacements parallel to the direction of wave travel, such as in the case of sound waves in air.
We have studied two types of mechanical waves. Which wave’s motion can be illustrated by a rope?
3 answers
A:
an electromagnetic wave
B:
a longitudinal wave
C:
a mechanical wave
D:
a transverse wave
an electromagnetic wave
B:
a longitudinal wave
C:
a mechanical wave
D:
a transverse wave
The correct answer is D: a transverse wave. When you shake a rope, the resulting wave motion is a transverse wave, where the displacement of the rope is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.