Question

The angle between the particle velocity and wave velocity in a transverse wave is (except when the particle passes through the mean position)

• A. \( \pi \, \text{radian} \)
• B. \( \frac{\pi}{2} \, \text{radian} \)
• C. Zero radian
• D. \( \frac{\pi}{4} \, \text{radian} \)

Hint:

In transverse waves, the particle velocity is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, except at the mean position where the velocities align momentarily.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In a transverse wave, the particle velocity is always perpendicular to the displacement of the particle, and the wave velocity is along the direction of propagation of the wave. - The particle velocity is the velocity at which each particle of the medium moves as the wave passes. This velocity is tangential to the particle's motion. - The wave velocity, on the other hand, is the velocity at which the wave moves through the medium, propagating from one point to another. At any point except when the particle passes through the mean position (where the particle is momentarily stationary), the angle between the particle velocity and the wave velocity is \( \frac{\pi}{2} \, \text{radians} \). This is because the particle moves perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Thus, the angle between the particle velocity and wave velocity is \( \frac{\pi}{2} \, \text{radian} \).