12
QuizMultiple Choice

Introduction to Waves

Question 12 • POP Physics 26/27

A tuning fork is vibrating the air around it. What best describes the waves produced by the tuning fork?

Answer
A
mechanical, because the air molecules are moving perpendicular to the tuning fork
B
mechanical, because the vibrating tuning fork makes air molecules around it vibrate
C
electromagnetic, because the air molecules are moving parallel to the tuning fork
D
electromagnetic, because the vibrating tuning fork does not need air in order to produce sound

Explanation

Sound waves are mechanical waves because they travel through a material medium, such as air. The vibrating tuning fork makes nearby air molecules vibrate, passing the disturbance through the air. So the best choice is “mechanical, because the vibrating tuning fork makes air molecules around it vibrate.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next