Transverse waves can propagate through a solid

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Transverse waves can propagate through solids due to the presence of both bulk modulus and modulus of rigidity, which allows for the restoration of equilibrium positions in the medium. In contrast, waves in fluids are purely longitudinal because they lack the modulus of rigidity necessary for transverse wave propagation. This distinction is crucial for understanding wave behavior in different states of matter, particularly in solid versus fluid mediums.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Knowledge of elasticity concepts, specifically bulk modulus and modulus of rigidity
  • Familiarity with harmonic oscillators and their behavior
  • Basic principles of solid and fluid dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of bulk modulus and modulus of rigidity in materials
  • Explore the mathematical modeling of wave propagation in solids versus fluids
  • Study coupled harmonic oscillators and their applications in wave mechanics
  • Investigate real-world examples of transverse wave propagation in solids
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, materials science, and engineering who are interested in wave propagation phenomena in different states of matter.

Rashid101
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hey my friends please solve my problem
Both longitudinal and transverse waves can propagate through a solid. A wave on the surface of a liquid can involve both longitudinal and transverse motion of elements of the medium. On the other hand, a wave propagating through the volume of a fluid must be purely longitudinal, not transverse. Why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Consider differences in structure between liquids and solids.
 


Consider also that wave motion can be thought of as many coupled harmonic oscillators, that is, like lots of springs ... which restore each point to an equilibrium position. What are the restoring forces in each case you asked about?
 


Rashid101 said:
Hey my friends please solve my problem
Both longitudinal and transverse waves can propagate through a solid. A wave on the surface of a liquid can involve both longitudinal and transverse motion of elements of the medium. On the other hand, a wave propagating through the volume of a fluid must be purely longitudinal, not transverse. Why?
volume of fluid has only bulk modulus of elasticity not the modulus of rigidity,so the londitudinal waves can travel ,(transverse wave cannot propapagate without modulus of rigidity.)
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Undergrad Can Standing Waves Have Both Transverse and Longitudinal Components?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Solving Confusion with Waves in Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Wave Encyclopedia: Examples of Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
High School Longitudinal and transverse wave propagation
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
11K
Undergrad Can a sound wave be transverse?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
7K
Undergrad Understanding Different Waves Propagating Through Water
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
8K
Graduate Gravitational Waves-Longitudinal or transverse
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Question about Waves on a String
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Why can’t transverse waves travel through a gas or liquid?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
9K
Graduate Electric and magnetic field lines in a plane wave of finite extent
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K