Question
Which one of the following statements is true?
Both light and sound waves in the air are transverse.
The sound waves in the air are longitudinal while the light waves are transverse.
Both light and sound waves in the air are longitudinal.
Both light and sound waves can travel in a vacuum.
Light waves are electromagnetic waves, which are transverse in nature because the oscillating electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation . Sound waves in the air are mechanical waves and are longitudinal in nature because the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Furthermore, light waves can travel in a vacuum, whereas sound waves require a material medium to propagate .
This question aligns with the NEET PHYSICS syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from WAVE OPTICS. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.
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