Question

What type of sound waves can propagate in solid?
(A) Longitudinal waves
(B) Transverse waves
(C) Both longitudinal and transverse waves
(D) Non-mechanical waves

Answer 1

Hint: Longitudinal waves propagate through vibrations and they require a medium to travel so sound in the form of transverse waves propagates through solids. Whereas, transverse waves also propagate through vibrations and also require medium. Sound waves as a whole can propagate as transverse or longitude waves in solids due to transfer of energy.

Complete step-by-step solution
Longitudinal waves are waves that have vibrations along the direction of wave propagation. They are also called pressure waves due to the formation of crests and troughs. They always need a material to travel and they are best propagated in solids due to the closeness of atoms in the medium. Sound can use these waves to travel through these waves at a very high speed.
Transverse waves on the other hand, have vibrations perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. They are also called shear waves and they require an acoustically solid material to propagate. Even they are best propagated in solids and are very weak in liquids and gasses. Sound can travel through this form of waves in solids

Therefore, sound can travel through both transverse and longitudinal waves in solids

Note Electromagnetic waves on the other hand travel with maximum velocity. They do not require any medium for their propagation. They can travel through vacuum. Light waves comprising gamma rays, x-rays, microwave, radio, infrared, ultraviolet and visible light are examples of electromagnetic waves. This is the reason why these rays from the sun reach earth because they can propagate through space.