Question

A sound wave travels through water. What best describes the direction of the water particles?

Answer 1

The water particles move in the same direction as the vibrating source of the sound wave, because a sound wave travels as a longitudinal wave. The water moves in the same direction as the longitudinal wave created by the sound wave.

Answer 2

In the same direction of sound waves.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are two types of wave motion.

1. Transverse wave motion

2. Longitudinal wave motion

When the particles of medium travel in the perpendicular direction of wave propagation, it is called transverse wave motion.

For example, light waves

When the particles of medium vibrate in the same direction of wave propagation, it is called longitudinal wave motion.

For example, sound waves

As the sound wave travel through water, the water particles move in the same direction of sound waves.