Which one of the following does not apply to sound waves in fluids ?

[amp_mcq option1=”They transport energy” option2=”They need a medium to travel” option3=”They are transverse” option4=”They travel faster in liquids than in gases” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC NDA-1 – 2024

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The statement that does not apply to sound waves in fluids (liquids and gases) is that they are transverse. This corresponds to option C.

Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to propagate. In fluids (liquids and gases), sound waves are longitudinal waves, meaning the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation, creating areas of compression and rarefaction.

Options A, B, and D are true for sound waves. A) They transport energy. B) They need a medium to travel (they cannot travel in a vacuum). D) Sound generally travels faster in denser, less compressible media. Liquids are generally denser and less compressible than gases, leading to higher sound speeds in liquids compared to gases. Transverse waves, where particle motion is perpendicular to wave propagation, can occur for sound in solids (shear waves) but not in fluids.

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