Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Transverse and Longitudinal Waves MDCAT MCQs with answers

11 past paper MCQs on Transverse and Longitudinal Waves, from the Waves unit of MDCAT Physics. The year each question appeared is shown where known; tap “Show answer” for the correct option and a short solution.

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1.If transverse waves are passing through a medium, then the particles of the medium: (MDCAT 2023)

  1. remain stationary
  2. move away with the wave
  3. move towards the source
  4. move in simple harmonic motion
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Correct answer: (d) move in simple harmonic motion

Each particle oscillates about its own mean position at right angles to the direction of travel.

2.The motion of transverse waves involves particle's vibration: (SIBA MDCAT 2025)

  1. Along the wave direction
  2. Opposite to energy flow
  3. Perpendicular to wave propagation
  4. In random direction at every point
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Correct answer: (c) Perpendicular to wave propagation

In a transverse wave the particles move at right angles to the direction the wave travels.

3.Which type of waves can be polarized? (KMU MDCAT 2024)

  1. Longitudinal waves
  2. Mechanical waves
  3. Sound waves
  4. Transverse waves
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Correct answer: (d) Transverse waves

Only a transverse wave has a vibration direction to single out, so only it can be polarized.

4.For longitudinal waves (KMU MDCAT 2024)

  1. The particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the wave's propagation
  2. The particles of the medium remain stationary as the wave passes through
  3. The particles of the medium oscillate along the direction of the wave's propagation
  4. Their velocity is enhanced when they travel through vacuum
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Correct answer: (c) The particles of the medium oscillate along the direction of the wave's propagation

In a longitudinal wave the particles move to and fro along the line the wave travels.

5.If transverse waves are passing through medium, then particle of medium: (UHS MDCAT 2023)

  1. Remain stationary
  2. Move away
  3. Move toward
  4. Move in Simple Harmonic Motion
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Correct answer: (d) Move in Simple Harmonic Motion

Each particle of the medium oscillates about its mean position in simple harmonic motion.

6.Water waves are: (PMC MDCAT 2022)

  1. Longitudinal waves
  2. Complex waves
  3. Transverse waves
  4. Both longitudinal and transverse wave
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Correct answer: (d) Both longitudinal and transverse wave

A water particle moves in a circle, so the wave is part transverse and part longitudinal.

7.Example of mechanical waves is: (PMC MDCAT 2022)

  1. Transverse wave
  2. Longitudinal wave
  3. Both transverse and longitudinal wave
  4. Compressional waves
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Correct answer: (c) Both transverse and longitudinal wave

Mechanical waves may be transverse, as on a rope, or longitudinal, as in sound.

8.Sound waves are considered as ____ waves: (PMC MDCAT 2022)

  1. Compressional
  2. Transverse
  3. Longitudinal
  4. Shock
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Correct answer: (c) Longitudinal

The air moves to and fro along the direction the sound travels.

9.A longitudinal wave is moving through a medium. Which of the following statements about the direction of the propagation of the wave and displacement of the medium is true? (PMC Practice 2021)

  1. Displacement of medium = parallel to the energy transfer Direction of the propagation of wave = parallel to the energy transfer
  2. Displacement of medium = parallel to the energy transfer Direction of the propagation of wave = perpendicular to the energy transfer
  3. Displacement of medium = perpendicular to the energy transfer Direction of the propagation of wave = parallel to the energy transfer
  4. Displacement of medium= perpendicular to the energy transfer Direction of the propagation of wave = perpendicular to the energy transfer
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Correct answer: (a) Displacement of medium = parallel to the energy transfer Direction of the propagation of wave = parallel to the energy transfer

In a longitudinal wave the particles move to and fro along the line the energy travels.

10.Which one of the following properties is not exhibited by the longitudinal waves? (PMC MDCAT 2020)

  1. Interference
  2. Reflection
  3. Diffraction
  4. Polarization
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Correct answer: (d) Polarization

Polarization needs a vibration across the direction of travel, which a longitudinal wave has not.

11.A shock wave is produced due to an earthquake which makes the buildings move in the direction of the shock wave. Which progressive wave would this be? (UHS MDCAT 2018)

  1. Longitudinal wave
  2. Transverse wave
  3. Material wave
  4. Particle wave
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Correct answer: (a) Longitudinal wave

The ground moves along the direction the wave travels, so the wave is longitudinal.

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