Which of the following best explains how longitudinal and transverse waves transfer energy?
A: in both longitudinal and transverse waves energy is transferred in an up and down direction.
B: in both longitudinal and transverse waves energy is transferred horizontally
C: in longitudinal waves energy is transferred horizontally, and in transverse waves the energy is transferred in an up and down direction
D: in longitudinal waves the energy is transferred in an up and down direction, and in transverse waves energy is transferred horizontally
D: in longitudinal waves the energy is transferred in an up and down direction, and in transverse waves energy is transferred horizontally
What kind of wave is one in which particles of the medium travel parallel to the direction the wave is travelling?
A: longitudinal wave
B: Electromagnetic wave
C: surface wave
D: transverse wave
A: longitudinal wave
The correct answer is C: in longitudinal waves energy is transferred horizontally, and in transverse waves the energy is transferred in an up and down direction.
To determine the best explanation for how longitudinal and transverse waves transfer energy, let's go through each option and see which one aligns with the properties of these types of waves.
A: The statement suggests that energy is transferred in an up and down direction in both longitudinal and transverse waves. This does not accurately describe either type of wave. In longitudinal waves, particles of the medium move back and forth parallel to the direction of energy transfer, while in transverse waves, particles move perpendicularly to the direction of energy transfer. Therefore, option A is not the best explanation.
B: The statement claims that energy is transferred horizontally in both longitudinal and transverse waves. This is incorrect. In longitudinal waves, energy is transferred in the same direction as the particle motion, whereas in transverse waves, energy is transferred perpendicular to the particle motion. Hence, option B is not the best explanation.
C: This option asserts that in longitudinal waves, energy is transferred horizontally, while in transverse waves, energy is transferred in an up and down direction. This is an inaccurate description. In longitudinal waves, energy is transferred parallel to the particle motion, not horizontally. Similarly, in transverse waves, energy is transferred perpendicular to the particle motion, not in an up and down direction. Therefore, option C is not the best explanation.
D: The statement in this option correctly explains how energy is transferred in longitudinal and transverse waves. In longitudinal waves, energy is transferred in an up and down direction, which corresponds with the particle motion. In transverse waves, energy is transferred horizontally, perpendicular to the particle motion. This aligns with the actual behavior of these waves. Therefore, option D is the best explanation for how longitudinal and transverse waves transfer energy.
So, the correct answer is option D: in longitudinal waves, the energy is transferred in an up and down direction, and in transverse waves, the energy is transferred horizontally.