Physics Waves ETEA 2023
PMDC Verified Question 38 of 125
The longitudinal waves travel more slowly in ____ than in ____.
A
Solids, gases
B
Solids, liquid
C
Gases, solids
D
Liquid, gases
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: Gases, solids
Concept:

The speed of a longitudinal mechanical wave (like sound) depends on the elasticity and density of the medium.

Solution:

  • In solids, atomic bonds are incredibly rigid (high bulk/shear modulus), allowing energy to transfer very rapidly.


  • In gases, molecules are spread far apart and must physically travel through empty space to collide with neighbors, making energy transfer slow.


  • Therefore, longitudinal waves travel fastest in solids, intermediate in liquids, and the slowest in gases.


  • They travel more slowly in Gases than in Solids.


Why other options are incorrect:

Options A and B contradict the established hierarchy of wave speeds across states of matter.

Quality & Fidelity Assurance: Every question on BeambePrep is rigorously curated against the official PMDC syllabus with zero filler, zero out-of-syllabus content, and zero typos. When an authentic past paper originally contained a historical mistake or ambiguity from the examining board (such as UHS or NUMS), BeambePrep faithfully reflects the original paper while detailing the nuance and scientific consensus in the autopsy above.

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