Q
QuestionPhysics

What best describes a transverse wave? A. The displacement of particles is opposite to the direction of wave motion. B. The displacement of particles is perpendicular to the direction of wave motion. C. The displacement of particles is in the same direction as the wave motion. D. The displacement of particles is parallel to the direction of wave motion.
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Answer

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Step 1
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Step 2
: Understand Wave Types

In wave mechanics, there are two primary types of waves: transverse and longitudinal waves. The key difference lies in the relationship between the particle displacement and the direction of wave propagation.

Final Answer

The displacement of particles is perpendicular to the direction of wave motion. Key Insight: In a transverse wave, \vec{displacement} \perp \vec{wave\,motion}, where \perp means "perpendicular to".