Question

Which of the following is a direction that a mechanical wave can displace its
medium?
Check all that apply.
A. Mechanical waves don't require a medium.
O
B. Perpendicular to the motion of the wave.
O
C. Parallel to the motion of the wave.
O
D. Both parallel and pependicular to the motion of the wave at the
same time.

Answer 1

Mechanical wave can displace its medium in as follows:

• Perpendicular to the motion of the wave.
• Parallel to the motion of the wave.
• Both parallel and perpendicular to the motion of the wave at the  same time.

Option B,C, and D

Explanation:

Mechanical wave can be classified as longitudinal waves and transverse waves. As it is used to transfer energy through the vibration of particles in a medium. They can be transferred by longitudinal waves and transverse waves.

In longitudinal waves ,the medium particles will be moving along the direction of the wave. While the perpendicular movement of the medium particles with respect to the direction of wave is termed as transverse waves.

And an electromagnetic wave which is the best example of mechanical wave exhibits both the above propagation. This means, the mechanical wave can displace its medium in both parallel and perpendicular to the motion of the wave at the same time.