Transverse Waves: Why They Can't Travel Through Liquids

Thread starter rahuldg11
Start date Mar 5, 2010
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Transverse Transverse waves Waves

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Transverse waves cannot travel through liquids because fluids cannot support shear stress. Only longitudinal waves, which are pressure waves, can propagate through these substances. Despite this, transverse surface waves can occur at interfaces, such as ocean waves at shorelines. The relationship between transverse waves and shear is crucial, as shear forces are necessary for transverse wave propagation. Understanding these principles is essential for comprehending wave behavior in different mediums.

Mar 5, 2010

rahuldg11

Why transverse waves cannot travel through liquids ?

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Mar 6, 2010

Studiot

A fluid (liquid or gas) is a substance that cannot support shear. So only pressure waves, which are longitudinal can traverse through a fluid.

However transverse surface waves can exist as you can witness at any shoreline.

Mar 6, 2010

rahuldg11

What is the relation between transverse waves and shear?

Mar 6, 2010

Studiot

This geophysical explanation is as good as any

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seismic_wave

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