Question

Velocity of transverse waves along a stretched string is proportional to________. (T=tension in the string).
A.$\sqrt{T}$
B. $T$
C. $\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{T}}$
D. $\dfrac{1}{T}$

Answer 1

Hint: When the string is stretched more, speed of the wave travelling is more. You need to write down the formula. Formula shows velocity is directly proportional to tension.

Formula used:
v = $\sqrt{\dfrac{T}{\mu }}$ T is tension in the string and μ is mass of the string per unit length.

Complete step-by-step answer:
We know that
Velocity of transverse wave (v) = $\sqrt{\dfrac{T}{\mu }}$ T is tension in the string and μ is mass of the string per unit length.
$\therefore v\propto \sqrt{T}$
So the correct option is (A).

Additional information:
Transverse waves may also be complex, where the curves demonstrating them are made of two or more sine or cosine curves. Light is another example of a transverse wave. Transverse waves commonly occur in elastic solids. Electromagnetic wave which is also a transverse wave consists of both electric and magnetic fields which are perpendicular to each other. Propagation of the electromagnetic field happens in the direction perpendicular to both electric and magnetic fields. Direction of propagation of the electromagnetic field is determined by the right hand thumb rule.

Note: Students should focus on remembering the formula and the units of the required parameters. There are two types of waves namely; transverse waves and longitudinal waves. Motion in which all points on a wave oscillate along paths at right angles to the direction of the wave’s advance is known as the motion of a transverse wave. Surface ripples on water, seismic S waves, and electromagnetic waves are examples of transverse waves.