Question

multiple choice question
sound is transmitted in air as longitudinal waves because
o transverse waves are not capable of traveling the long distances required
o of the unique attachment between neighboring air molecules
o air molecules are not attached to one another and therefore cannot transmit transverse waves
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Explanation:

Transverse waves require a medium with strong intermolecular forces (like solids) to transmit the shear forces. Air is a gas, and air molecules are not attached to one another. In a gas, when a sound wave (a form of mechanical wave) propagates, the molecules move parallel to the direction of wave propagation (longitudinal wave). Transverse waves need a restoring force when the medium is deformed sideways, which is not present in air (as air molecules are free - moving and not strongly bound).

Answer:

air molecules are not attached to one another and therefore cannot transmit transverse waves