Consider the following statements regarding waves: 1. If the particles of a medium move along the direction of motion of the wave, the wave is called a longitudinal wave. 2. If the particles of a medium move perpendicular to the direction of motion of the wave, the wave is called a transverse wave. 3. Transverse waves may involve change in the shape of the medium, whereas longitudinal waves involve change in the density of the medium. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 and 2 only
B.1 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3✓ Correct
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: longitudinal waves are defined by particle motion parallel to the direction of wave propagation (e.g., sound waves). Statement 2 is correct: transverse waves involve particle motion perpendicular to the direction of propagation (e.g., waves on a string, light). Statement 3 is also correct: transverse waves are associated with shear or shape change of the medium, while longitudinal waves cause compressions and rarefactions, i.e., changes in density. Hence all three statements are correct.
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