Which of the following are not transverse waves?
a) Water ripples in a small pool.
b) Sound waves traveling through water.
c) Radio waves traveling through space.
d) Microwaves inside a microwave oven.
e) The vibrations on the surface of a drum.
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To determine which of the following are not transverse waves, we need to understand the characteristics of transverse waves and analyze each option.
A transverse wave is a type of wave where the oscillations or vibrations of the medium occur perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of energy transfer. In other words, if the particles of the medium move up and down or side to side, it is a transverse wave.
Now let's analyze each option:
a) Water ripples in a small pool: Water ripples are an example of transverse waves. As the water surface vibrates up and down, the waves move horizontally.
b) Sound waves traveling through water: Sound waves are not transverse waves; they are longitudinal waves. In longitudinal waves, the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of energy transfer. So, sound waves are not the answer we're looking for.
c) Radio waves traveling through space: Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic wave, and all electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, are transverse waves. The electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
d) Microwaves inside a microwave oven: Microwaves are also a type of electromagnetic wave, so they are transverse waves for the same reasons given in option c.
e) The vibrations on the surface of a drum: The vibrations on the surface of a drum are an example of transverse waves. As the drumhead moves up and down, the waves propagate horizontally.
From the analysis, we can infer that the correct answer is option b) Sound waves traveling through water because sound waves are longitudinal waves and not transverse waves.