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PHYSICS, M3 2023 VCE 13 MC

A physics student hears a clap of thunder shortly after observing a flash of lightning.

Which one of the following statements best describes the sound associated with the clap of thunder and the visible light associated with the flash of lightning?

  1. Both the sound and the visible light are examples of transverse waves.
  2. Both the sound and the visible light are examples of longitudinal waves.
  3. Sound is an example of a transverse wave and visible light is an example of a longitudinal wave.
  4. Sound is an example of a longitudinal wave and visible light is an example of a transverse wave.
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\(D\)

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→ Sound is a longitudinal wave where the particles travel parallel to the direction of motion and require a medium.

→ Light is a transverse wave of alternating electric and magnetic fields and therefore doesn’t require a medium.

\(\Rightarrow D\)

PHYSICS, M3 2022 VCE 11 MC

Which one of the following statements best describes transverse and longitudinal waves?

  1. Both transverse waves and longitudinal waves travel in a direction parallel to their vibrations.
  2. Both transverse waves and longitudinal waves travel in a direction perpendicular to their vibrations.
  3. Transverse waves travel in a direction perpendicular to their vibrations; longitudinal waves travel parallel to their vibrations.
  4. Transverse waves travel in a direction parallel to their vibrations; longitudinal waves travel perpendicular to their vibrations.
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\(C\)

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→ The energy transfer through transverse waves is perpendicular to the direction of vibrations.

→ The energy transfer through longitudinal waves is parallel to the direction of vibrations.
 

\( \Rightarrow C\)