Question
Through what type of media, can
(i) the transverse waves and
(ii) the longitudinal waves be transmitted?
Give reason.
Solution
Transverse waves travel in the form of crests and troughs. During the course of motion, they involve changes in the shape of the medium. So they can be transmitted through a medium which has elasticity of shape. As solids have elasticity of shape, so transverse waves can be transmitted through solids.
Longitudinal waves travel in the form of compressions and rarefactions. They involve changes in the volume and density of the medium. All media—solid, liquids and gases have elasticity of volume. Hence longitudinal waves can be transmitted through all the three types of media.
