Q. Which one of the following statements is true ?
A) Both light and sound waves in air are transverse
B) The sound waves in air are longitudinal while the light waves are transverse
C) Both light and sound waves in air are longitudinal
D) Both light and sound waves can travel in vacuum
Explanation
[Solution from source] Sound in air travels as compressions and rarefactions, so it is longitudinal; light is an electromagnetic wave with transverse fields. Light can travel through vacuum but sound needs a material medium, so the statement that both travel in vacuum is false. Answer (2).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.