Question

What are water waves?

• A. Surface waves in which particles perform perpendicular and parallel vibrations around their mean position.
• B. Surface waves in which particles perform perpendicular vibrations around their mean position.
• C. Surface waves in which particles perform parallel vibrations around their mean position.
• D. Waves at a depth in which particles perform perpendicular vibrations around their mean position.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Surface waves in which particles perform perpendicular and parallel vibrations around their mean position.

Till now we thought water waves particularly on the surface are transverse waves. But that is not the exact case. Along with the transverse motion, they perform longitudinal motion as well. Following is the diagram which explains both types of waves on the water surface.