Physics Multiple Choice Questions on “Transverse and Longitudinal Waves”.
1. All waves require material for propagation. True or False?
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Only material waves,like the name suggests, require material for propagation. Electromagnetic waves on the other hand don’t require any medium. They can travel through vacuum in the form of electric and magnetic fields.
2. Transverse waves involve energy transfer by movement of medium particles, while longitudinal waves don’t. True or False?
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Transverse waves involve vibration, & not movement, of medium particles to transfer energy. Even in longitudinal waves, medium particles move up & down but don’t travel to transfer energy.
3. Electromagnetic waves are considered to be which of the following types?
a) Transverse
b) Longitudinal
c) Both Transverse & Longitudinal
d) Neither longitudinal nor transverse
Answer: a
Clarification: Electromagnetic waves are formed by transverse motion of electric & magnetic fields. Thus, they are said to be transverse waves.