Question

A mechanical wave propagates in a medium along the X-axis. The particles of the medium
A. Must move on the X-axis
B. Must move on the Y-axis
C. May move on the X-axis
D. May move on the Y-axis

Answer 1

Hint: Here in this question, we have to state on which medium will the particle move on. Before which we have to know that, mechanical waves move through a solid, liquid, or gas with a wave speed that is influenced by the elastic and inertial characteristics of that medium. Mechanical waves can move in either longitudinal waves or transverse waves, which are the two most common wave motions.

Complete step by step solution:
Transverse and longitudinal mechanical waves are the two types. The particles will move along the Y-axis in the transverse wave and along the X-axis in the longitudinal wave. Therefore, depending on the type of wave, the medium's particles may flow down the X-axis or the Y-axis.

If the wave is longitudinal and travelling along the positive X-axis, particles will flow along the X-axis itself. Transverse motion will cause it to travel along the Y axis (or Z axis). As from the above conclusion, we get the result as the particle of the medium may move on the X-axis or may move on the Y-axis. Therefore, the correct answer is that the particle of the medium may move on the X-axis or may move on the Y-axis.

Hence, the correct options are C and D.<./b>

Note: We must know that wave motion is the regular and orderly movement of disturbances, or departures from equilibrium or rest, from one location to another. The most well-known are surface waves on water, but sound and light also travel as wavelike disturbances, and all subatomic particle motion displays wavelike characteristics.