Question

Which of the following type of wave is different from others?

• A. Light waves
• B. X-rays
• C. Radio waves
• D. Sound waves

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Sound waves

The explanation for the correct option.

Mechanical waves:

1. Waves that require a medium to propagate are known as mechanical waves. When the wave propagates, the particle performs periodic motion about the mean position.
2. Examples of mechanical waves are: sound waves, slinky waves, spring waves, water waves, seismic waves, etc.

Non-mechanical waves:

1. Waves that require a medium to propagate are known as mechanical waves.
2. Non-mechanical waves possess the properties of transverse waves.
3. Non-mechanical waves travel through a vacuum.
4. Examples of non-mechanical waves are electromagnetic waves, like light waves, heat waves, radio waves, and matter waves like X-rays.

In the case of option ‘d’,

Sound waves belong to mechanical waves and the rest all belong to non-mechanical waves.

The explanation for incorrect options:

In the case of option 'a',

Light waves belong to non-mechanical waves.

In the case of option ‘b’,

X-rays belong to non-mechanical waves.

In the case of option 'c',

Radio waves belong to non-mechanical waves.

Hence, option (d) is correct.