Question

Which type of wave is produced in the stem of the tuning fork?
A. Transverse
B. Transverse stationary
C. Longitudinal
D. Longitudinal stationary

Answer 1

Hint: In the longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium move back and forth in the direction of propagation of the wave. In the transverse wave, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.

Complete answer:
We know that the tuning fork has two prongs and one stem or we call it the handle of the tuning fork. When we strike the tuning fork on the rubber pad, the two prongs move inward and outward. This inward and outward motion of the prongs produces disturbances of the surrounding air molecules. When the prongs move outward, the air molecules near the prongs gets compressed and when the prongs move inward, the air molecules expand. Thus, creating a compression and a rarefaction of air molecules near the prongs, the wave is generated which is known as longitudinal wave.

We can see in the middle of the prongs, the two waves collide and transfer a wave into the stem of the tuning fork. We know that the wave produced in the solids is a transverse wave while the wave produced in the gases or liquids is a longitudinal wave. In the stem, the pressure deviations of the wave cause shear stress along the perpendicular direction of the propagation of the wave. Thus, the particles of the medium travel perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. We know that in a transverse wave, the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. Therefore, the wave produced in the stem of the tuning fork is the transverse wave.

So, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Students can simply identify the wave produced in the stem of the tuning fork by recalling the fact that the wave propagating in the solids is always a transverse wave. Also, the wave produced by compression and rarefactions of the medium is known as longitudinal wave. The longitudinal wave is always produced in the gases or liquids.