Skip to content
Login Register

#transverse waves

6 public questions tagged with this topic.

Polarization and Malus Law

Why does the wave theory require light to propagate as transverse waves to explain polarization?

**Polaroid rotation** intensity varies sinusoidally with angle due to Malus law I = I₀ cos²θ, when polaroid rotated 90° from initial, intensity goes from max to zero, for unpolarized light rotating polaroid does not change intensity after first polaroid because average, but second polaroid intensity depends on relative angle, explains why intensity transmitted through two polaroids drops to zero when perpendicular. Only transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to propagation that can be filtered in specific directions, unlike longitudinal waves, enabling polarization. Using Δ = d sinθ,

Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Wave Optics > Polarization and Malus Law

View Details
Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Which property of a medium allows longitudinal waves to propagate through it but not transverse waves?

**Nature of wave** determines energy transfer mechanism. Longitudinal nature of sound explains propagation through fluids with density variations carrying energy, unlike transverse waves needing rigidity for restoring force. Longitudinal waves require a medium with bulk modulus (resistance to compression), which fluids possess. Transverse waves need shear modulus (resistance to shearing), which fluids lack due to their inability to sustain shear stress. Using v = fλ and standing-wave condition fₙ = n v/(2L) or v/(4L) as applicable, calculation yields Lack of shear modulus, illustrating frequen

Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Waves > Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

View Details
Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

What is the key requirement for a medium to support both transverse and longitudinal waves?

**Wave classification** depends on particle vibration relative to propagation. Longitudinal waves have particle oscillation parallel to propagation, creating compressions and rarefactions as in sound in air; transverse have perpendicular oscillation. Tuning fork generates longitudinal sound because air cannot sustain shear. A medium must be rigid (have shear modulus) to support transverse waves and compressible (have bulk modulus) for longitudinal waves, properties typical of solids. Using v = fλ and standing-wave condition fₙ = n v/(2L) or v/(4L) as applicable, calculation yields Rigidity, il

Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Waves > Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

View Details
Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

What is the primary source of restoring force for transverse waves on a stretched string?

**Mechanical waves** require medium and can be transverse or longitudinal. Sound in air is longitudinal since fluids support only compressional motion, while string waves are transverse. Progressive waves transfer energy without net mass transport, distinguishing from standing waves. In transverse waves on a string, the tension provides the restoring force that opposes displacement, enabling wave propagation, unlike elasticity or pressure in other contexts. Using v = fλ and standing-wave condition fₙ = n v/(2L) or v/(4L) as applicable, calculation yields Tension, illustrating frequency-length-

Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Waves > Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

View Details
Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Why can’t transverse waves propagate through a liquid medium?

**Nature of wave** determines energy transfer mechanism. Longitudinal nature of sound explains propagation through fluids with density variations carrying energy, unlike transverse waves needing rigidity for restoring force. Transverse waves require a medium to resist shear deformation (shear modulus). Liquids lack rigidity and cannot sustain shear stress, making transverse wave propagation impossible. Using v = fλ and standing-wave condition fₙ = n v/(2L) or v/(4L) as applicable, calculation yields Due to lack of rigidity, illustrating frequency-length-speed interdependence and quantization b

Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Waves > Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

View Details