What type of wave is a sound wave propagating through ambient air?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Longitudinal mechanical wave
- Step 1: Sound requires a material medium and propagates through pressure compressions and rarefactions. Step 2. Air molecules oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation, making sound a longitudinal mechanical wave. Answer: Longitudinal mechanical wave. Why not the others: Transverse mechanical wave describes ripples on water or waves on a string; electromagnetic wave requires no medium; torsional wave involves rotational twist.
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