Question

The angle between particle velocity and wave velocity in transverse waves is

• A. $0$
• B. $\frac{\pi }{4}$
• C. $\frac{\pi }{2}$
• D. $\mathrm{\pi }$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

$\frac{\pi }{2}$

Explanation for the correct option:

In the case of option C,

1. In longitudinal waves, the medium's particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave's motion.
2. While in transverse waves, the particles in the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's motion.
3. Hence, the angle between particle velocity and wave velocity in transverse waves is $\frac{\mathrm{\pi }}{2}$.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

In the case of option A,

1. In a transverse wave, the direction of both the velocity is perpendicular to each other. So, a zero-degree angle can't be formed between them.

In the case of option B,

1. The angle formed between particle velocity and wave velocity is $\frac{\mathrm{\pi }}{2}$, not $\frac{\mathrm{\pi }}{4}$ because the particles of a substance vibrate at a right angle to the direction of wave velocity.

In the case of option D,

1. The particle's velocity is not opposed to the wave velocity so $\mathrm{\pi }$angle can't be formed.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.