Q7DQ

Question

Is it possible to have a longitudinal wave on a stretched string? Why or why not? Is it possible to have a transverse wave on a steel rod? Again, why or why not? If your answer is yes in either case, explain how you would create such a wave.

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer

The production of a longitudinal wave in a stretched string is not achievable. This is due to the string being very hard to compress throughout its length. A transverse wave will result from its bending.

A steel rod may produce transverse waves because steel has form flexibility.

1Step1: Concept of a longitudinal and transverse wave .

The medium moves in parallel with the direction of longitudinal waves. Transverse waves, on the other hand, force the medium to travel perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

2Step 2: Longitudinal wave relation with stretched string

It is impossible to compress a stretched string. A longitudinal wave can propagate across a medium that is alternately compressed and rarefied. Therefore, with a stretched string, a longitudinal wave is not feasible. The crests and troughs of longitudinal waves alternate. Pressure waves are another name for them. Stretching a string will cause a longitudinal wave to bend and create a transverse wave. Therefore, with a stretched string, longitudinal waves are not achievable.

Therefore, transverse waves can propagate through a stretched string

3Step 3 Transverse wave relation with steel rod

For a Transverse wave to propagate the medium must be elastic. Steel is an Elastic material. It has a considerable amount of Elasticity. 

Therefore, a transverse wave can pass through the steel rod.