Which statement is true of a wave that’s propagating along the pavement and girders of a suspension bridge?

Question

A.
The wave is mechanical, with particles vibrating in a direction that is parallel to that of the wave, forming compressions and rarefactions.
B.
The wave is electromagnetic, with particles vibrating in a direction that is parallel to that of the wave, forming compressions and rarefactions.
C.
The wave is mechanical, with particles vibrating in a direction that is perpendicular to that of the wave, forming crests and troughs.
D.
The wave is electromagnetic, with particles vibrating in a direction that is perpendicular to that of the wave, forming crests and troughs.
E.
The wave is mechanical, with particles vibrating in a direction that is perpendicular to that of the wave, forming compressions and rarefactions.

Answer 1

The statement that is true of a wave that’s propagating along the pavement and girders of a suspension bridge is:

A. The wave is mechanical, with particles vibrating in a direction that is parallel to that of the wave, forming compressions and rarefactions.

Waves propagating through solid materials, such as the pavement and girders of a bridge, are typically mechanical waves. In this case, if we consider longitudinal waves (like sound waves), the particle motion is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, creating compressions and rarefactions.