IGCSE · 3 · multiple choice
Waves · Question 1
Waves · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- recall
- Marks
- 1
- Topics
- 1
- Answer
- Complete
Which statement describes a longitudinal wave?
- A
The particles vibrate at right angles to the direction of energy transfer.
- B
The particles vibrate along the direction of energy transfer.
- C
The particles travel with the wave from one place to another.
- D
The wave cannot travel through a solid.
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Answer and reasoning
Predict from the governing principle before looking for a matching option. Then reject alternatives by checking direction, units, limiting behaviour or the physical meaning of each statement.
- 1
The correct choice is B: The particles vibrate along the direction of energy transfer.
- 2
C is the misconception the whole topic is set against: a wave transfers energy without transferring matter. A describes a transverse wave.
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