What component of a longitudinal sound wave is analogous to a trough of a tran – [Free] B93
What component of a longitudinal sound wave is analogous to a trough of a transverse wave? Question 9 options: A.Compression B.Rarefaction C.Node D.Antinode
What Component of a Longitudinal Sound Wave is Analogous to a Trough of a Transverse Wave?
Question:
What component of a longitudinal sound wave is analogous to the trough of a transverse wave?
- A. Compression
- B. Rarefaction
- C. Node
- D. Antinode
Answer:
Correct Answer: B — Rarefaction
Detailed Explanation:
In physics, a transverse wave (like water or light) has crests and troughs. The crest is the highest point, while the trough is the lowest point of displacement from equilibrium.
In contrast, a longitudinal wave (like a sound wave) involves the back-and-forth motion of particles in the direction of wave travel. It consists of alternating:
- Compressions — regions where particles are close together (high pressure).
- Rarefactions — regions where particles are spread apart (low pressure).
Wave Component Analogy:
To compare wave types:
- Crest (transverse) ≈ Compression (longitudinal) — both represent high energy or pressure regions.
- Trough (transverse) ≈ Rarefaction (longitudinal) — both represent low energy or pressure regions.
Conclusion:
The rarefaction in a longitudinal sound wave is directly analogous to the trough in a transverse wave, as both represent the minimum in pressure or displacement.
Therefore, the correct answer is: B. Rarefaction