Question

What best describes a possible transfer of energy?

A mechanical wave transfers energy through matter.
A longitudinal wave transfers energy perpendicular to wave motion.
A transverse wave transfers energy parallel to wave motion.
A sound wave does not need a medium to transfer energy through.

Answer 1

"A mechanical wave transfers energy through matter."

Reasons:
- Mechanical waves require a medium (matter) to propagate and thus transfer energy through that medium.
- Longitudinal waves transfer energy parallel to the wave motion (not perpendicular).
- Transverse waves transfer energy perpendicular to the wave motion (not parallel).
- Sound is a mechanical (longitudinal) wave and therefore does need a medium.