Transverse Waves: Why They Can't Travel Through Liquids

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SUMMARY

Transverse waves cannot travel through liquids because fluids cannot support shear stress, which is essential for the propagation of transverse waves. Instead, only longitudinal waves, or pressure waves, can move through fluids. While transverse surface waves can occur at interfaces, such as shorelines, they do not propagate through the liquid itself. This distinction is crucial for understanding wave behavior in different mediums.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics
  • Familiarity with shear stress concepts
  • Basic principles of seismic waves
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of longitudinal waves in fluids
  • Explore the concept of shear stress in materials
  • Study the behavior of surface waves at fluid interfaces
  • Learn about seismic wave types and their propagation
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, geophysicists, and anyone interested in wave propagation in different mediums will benefit from this discussion.

rahuldg11
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Why transverse waves cannot travel through liquids ?
 
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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.
 
What is the relation between transverse waves and shear?
 

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