Question

The angle between particle velocity and wave velocity in a transverse wave is:

• A. Zero
• B. $\pi /4$
• C. $\pi /2$
• D. $\pi$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\pi /2$

In a transverse wave the particles of the medium vibrate about their mean positions in a direction perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Here, the particle velocity is given by $\frac{dy}{dt}$ and wave velocity is given by $\frac{dx}{dt}$.
Hence, the angle between particle velocity and wave velocity in a transverse wave is $\frac{\pi }{2}$.