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Q14.19(d):
Explain why (or how): solids can support both longitudinal and transverse waves, but only longitudinal waves can propagate in gases, and

Solution :

Theoretical Foundation: Elastic Properties of Media

The propagation of mechanical waves in a medium is governed by the medium's ability to resist deformation. This resistance is quantified by elastic moduli, which define how a medium responds to stress. The velocity $v$ of a wave in a medium is given by the general relation:

$v = \sqrt{\frac{E}{\rho}}$

where $E$ is the appropriate elastic modulus and $\rho$ is the density of the medium [Per Newton-Laplace formula].

Step 1: Analysis of Longitudinal Waves (Compressional Waves)

Longitudinal waves involve the periodic compression and rarefaction of the medium. This requires the medium to possess Bulk Modulus ($B$), which measures resistance to change in volume.

  • Solids: Possess a high Bulk Modulus, as they resist volumetric compression.
  • Gases: Possess a finite Bulk Modulus, as they resist compression during rapid oscillations (adiabatic process).
  • Conclusion: Because all states of matter (solids, liquids, and gases) possess a Bulk Modulus, longitudinal waves can propagate through all of them.

Step 2: Analysis of Transverse Waves (Shear Waves)

Transverse waves involve the displacement of medium particles perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, which necessitates the presence of Shear Modulus (Modulus of Rigidity, $G$ or $\eta$).

  • Solids: Solids exhibit a definite shape and provide resistance to shearing forces. They possess a high Shear Modulus. Thus, transverse waves can travel through solids.
  • Gases and Fluids: By definition, fluids (liquids and gases) cannot maintain a fixed shape when subjected to a shearing stress; they simply flow. Consequently, their Shear Modulus is zero ($\eta = 0$).
  • Conclusion: Since the velocity of a transverse wave is $v_t = \sqrt{\frac{\eta}{\rho}}$, if $\eta = 0$, then $v_t = 0$. Therefore, transverse waves cannot propagate in gases.

Visual Representation of Wave Deformation

Longitudinal: Compression in Gas/Solid Transverse: Shear only in Solids

Comparative Summary Table

Wave Type Elastic Property Required Solids Gases
Longitudinal Bulk Modulus ($B$) Supported Supported
Transverse Shear Modulus ($\eta$) Supported Not Supported

Final Solution: Solids support both wave types because they possess both Bulk Modulus (resistance to volume change) and Shear Modulus (resistance to shape change). Gases possess only Bulk Modulus; because they lack a Shear Modulus (they offer no resistance to shearing forces), they cannot support the restoration forces required for transverse wave propagation.


More Questions from Class 11 Physics Waves EXERCISES


CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Physics Waves


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