Final answer:
The nonsinusoidal waveform option out of the listed choices is the square wave, which is characterized by its sharp transitions as opposed to the smooth oscillations of the sine wave.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option a). square wave
Step-by-step explanation:
One type of nonsinusoidal waveform is the square wave. This distinguishes it from a sine wave, which is a continuous periodic oscillation.
Unlike sine waves, square waves have abrupt transitions between their maximum and minimum values, which creates a shape resembling a square or rectangle.
As per the references given:
- A tuning fork creates a periodic wave.
- Not all ocean waves are perfectly sinusoidal; they can be irregular and complex in shape.
- When two sine waves with the same amplitude A travel in the same direction with a phase difference of 180°, they cancel each other out resulting in a resultant amplitude of 0.
On the subject of wave characteristics and behavior, related examples can be seen in various phenomena.
For instance, electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, as opposed to sound waves, which are mechanical waves requiring a medium to travel through.