Which one of the following statements is true for sound waves propagat

Which one of the following statements is true for sound waves propagating in air ?

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Sound is an electromagnetic wave and transverse in nature

Sound is a mechanical wave and longitudinal in nature

Sound is a mechanical wave and transverse in nature

Sound is an electromagnetic wave and longitudinal in nature

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2023

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Sound waves require a medium (like air, water, or solids) to travel, meaning they are mechanical waves. They propagate through the vibration of particles of the medium. In air, sound waves cause compressions and rarefactions as the air particles oscillate back and forth in the same direction as the wave is moving. This type of wave where particle oscillation is parallel to the direction of wave propagation is called a longitudinal wave. Electromagnetic waves, like light, do not require a medium and are transverse, with electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

– Sound waves are mechanical waves because they need a medium to travel.
– In fluids (like air and water), sound waves are longitudinal waves, meaning particle motion is parallel to wave propagation.
– In solids, sound can propagate as both longitudinal and transverse waves.

Examples of longitudinal waves include sound waves in air, pressure waves, and seismic P-waves. Examples of transverse waves include light waves, radio waves, waves on a string, and seismic S-waves (in solids).

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