WAEC SSCE - Physics - 1992 (Objective)

Question 1 Report

Which of the following waves are longitudinal waves? l. Ripples on the surface of water II. Waves produced by a tuning fork vibrating in air III. Light waves
IV. Waves produced by a flute

I and II only

I and III only

II and III only

II and IV only

III and IV only

Answer Details

The longitudinal waves are waves in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave. Ripples on the surface of water are not longitudinal waves because the particles of water move in circular motion, which is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. Waves produced by a tuning fork vibrating in air are longitudinal waves because the vibrations of the tuning fork cause the particles of air to vibrate back and forth in the same direction as the propagation of the wave. Light waves are not longitudinal waves because they are transverse waves. In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. Waves produced by a flute are not longitudinal waves because the vibrations of the air column in the flute are perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. Therefore, the correct answer is II and IV only.






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