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Give one example of a transverse wave and another of a longitudinal wave, being careful to note the relative directions of the disturbance and wave propagation in each.

a) Transverse: Light wave, Longitudinal: Sound wave
b) Transverse: Sound wave, Longitudinal: Light wave
c) Transverse: Water wave, Longitudinal: Earthquake wave
d) Transverse: Earthquake wave, Longitudinal: Water wave

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Final answer:

The correct answer is option a), where the light wave is given as an example of a transverse wave, with electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to the direction of propagation, and the sound wave is an example of a longitudinal wave, with particles vibrating parallel to the wave's travel direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of a transverse wave is a light wave, where the electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. On the other hand, an example of a longitudinal wave is a sound wave, where the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. When considering the options provided:
a) Transverse: Light wave, Longitudinal: Sound wave
b) Transverse: Sound wave, Longitudinal: Light wave
c) Transverse: Water wave, Longitudinal: Earthquake wave (also known as a P-wave)
d) Transverse: Earthquake wave (also known as an S-wave), Longitudinal: Water wave

The correct answer is option a), as light waves are indeed transverse, and sound waves are longitudinal.

User Shlomi Katriel
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