Wave Mechanics Assertion And Reason Question 14

Question: Assertion : Solids can support both longitudinal and transverse waves but only longitudinal waves can propagate in gases. Reason : For the propagation of transverse waves, medium must also neccessarly have the property of rigidity.

Options:

A) If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

B) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

C) If assertion is true but reason is false.

D) If the assertion and reason both are false.

E) If assertion is false but reason is true.

Show Answer

Answer:

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

For the propagation of transverse waves, medium must have the property of rigidity.

Because gases have no rigidity, (they do not posses shear elasticity), hence transverse waves cannot be produced is gases.

On the other hand, the solids possess both volume and shear elasticity and likewise both the longitudinal and transverse waves can be transmitted through them.