8
QuizMultiple Choice

Sound Waves

Question 8 • Crowley Credit Recovery Physics B

A guitar string is plucked. What best describes the formation and transmission of the sound wave?

Answer
A
The string vibrates the surrounding air, which produces a transverse wave.
B
The string vibrates the surrounding air, which produces a longitudinal wave.
C
The string produces a longitudinal wave that travels without a medium.
D
The string produces a transverse wave that travels without a medium.

Explanation

When plucked, the string vibrates and makes nearby air molecules vibrate. These vibrations travel through the air as compressions and rarefactions, so sound is a longitudinal wave that requires a medium. Choice B correctly describes this; sound does not travel without a medium.

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