Question

explain why i) solids can support both logitudinal and transverse waves, but only longitudinal waves can propagate in gases. ii) an aircraft passing near a building shatters it's windows panes.

Answer 1

(I)
Solids have shear modulus. They can sustain shearing stress. This allows transverse waves to propagate through solids. Since fluids do not have any definite shape, they yield to shearing stress. The propagation of a transverse wave is such that it produces shearing stress in a medium. The propagation of such a wave is possible only in solids, and not in gases.
Both solids and fluids have their respective bulk moduli. They can sustain compressive stress. Hence, longitudinal waves can propagate through solids and fluids.