Question

Which one of the following statements is true ?

• A. Both light and sound waves in air are longitudinal.
• B. Both light and sound waves can travel in vacuum.
• C. Both light and sound waves in air are transverse.
• D. The sound waves in air are longitudinal while the light waves are transverse.

Answer 1

The correct option is D The sound waves in air are longitudinal while the light waves are transverse.

Transverse waves are waves in which the direction of vibration of particles in a medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. Light waves (and all electromagnetic waves) are transverse waves.

Longitudinal waves are waves in which the direction of vibration of particles in a medium is along the direction of propagation of the wave. Soiund waves are longitudinal waves.

So option d is correct.