Final answer:
The type of wave shown on the oscilloscope screen in the waves lab could be either a transverse wave or a longitudinal wave, depending on the nature of the experiment. The correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of wave shown on the oscilloscope screen in the waves lab depends on the nature of the experiment being conducted. However, based on the given options, it is likely that either a transverse wave or a longitudinal wave was shown.
A transverse wave is a wave in which the disturbance is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. An example of a transverse wave is light waves. On the other hand, a longitudinal wave is a wave in which the disturbance is parallel to the direction of propagation.
An example of a longitudinal wave is sound waves. Without more information about the specific experiment and the data shown on the oscilloscope screen, it is not possible to determine with certainty which type of wave was observed.