Question

mission wm1: nature and categories of waves
if a longitudinal wave is created in a medium that extends horizontally from left to right, then the particles of the medium will vibrate in a ______ direction.
a. horizontal
b. vertical
c. diagonal (both horizontal and vertical)
d. circular
e. none of these

Explanation:

Longitudinal waves are defined as waves where the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Here, the wave extends horizontally (left - right), so the particles should vibrate horizontally. Option a matches this definition, while b (vertical) is for transverse waves, c (diagonal) and d (circular) don't fit longitudinal wave particle motion, and e is incorrect as a is correct.

Answer:

a. horizontal