Which type of wave is a sound wave in air?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Longitudinal

Explanation:

• Sound waves in air are longitudinal waves, meaning the particles of the medium (air molecules) move parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
• In a longitudinal wave, regions of compression (where particles are closer together) and rarefaction (where particles are farther apart) are formed as the wave travels through the medium.
• As sound waves move through air, they cause the air particles to oscillate back and forth in the same direction that the wave is moving.

Information Booster:

• Longitudinal waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate, unlike transverse waves that do not require a medium.
• Sound waves cannot travel in a vacuum (such as outer space) because there are no molecules to transmit the vibrations.

Additional Knowledge:

• Transverse waves (Option B) involve particle motion perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, like waves on a string or light waves.
• Electromagnetic waves (Option C) are transverse waves that do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum. Examples include light, radio waves, and microwaves.
• Standing waves (Option D) are formed when two waves of the same frequency traveling in opposite directions interfere with each other, but this is not the type of wave for general sound propagation.