Sound waves and seismic P waves are examples of which type of waves?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. Longitudinal waves.
- A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium oscillate parallel to the direction that the wave travels.
Examples:
- Sound waves: The vibrations of particles (air molecules, for instance) propagate in the same direction as the sound wave itself, creating areas of compression and rarefaction.
- Seismic P-waves: Earthquakes generate seismic waves, and the "P-waves" (primary waves) are longitudinal. They travel through the Earth's interior by compressing and expanding the rock.
- Ultrasound, used in medical imaging, is another type of longitudinal wave.
Other Options:
A transverse wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction the wave travels.
An electromagnetic wave is a special type of transverse wave made of electric and magnetic fields that travel through space.
Matter waves refer to the wave-like behavior of particles of matter (like electrons, protons, atoms, etc.) — meaning, matter can act like a wave under certain conditions. Also, known as de Broglie waves.