Types Of Wave - Practice Questions & MCQ

Waves can classified on the basis of 3 different characterstics. 

a) On the basis of medium 

b) On the basis of vibration of the particles 

c) On the basis of energy propagation 

We are going to discuss each type in detail.

(a). On the basis of medium :

     On the basis of medium waves can be classified into two categories.

 1. Mechanical waves: The waves which require medium for their propagation are called mechanical waves.

Ex: Waves on string and spring, waves on water surface, sound waves, seismic waves.

2.  Non-mechanical waves:  The waves which do not require medium for their propagation are called non-mechanical or electromagnetic waves.

Ex: Light, heat (Infrared), radio waves, gamma rays, X-rays etc.

(b). On the basis of vibration of the particles :

 On the basis of the vibration of the particles, waves can be classified into two categories.

 1. Transverse waves: Particles of the medium execute simple harmonic motion about their mean position in a direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave motion.

     Ex. Movement of a string of a sitar or violin. 

2. Longitudinal waves:  If the particles of a medium vibrate in the direction of wave motion the wave is called longitudinal.

    Ex.  Sound waves travel through the air, Vibration of the air column in organ pipes.

(c). On the basis of energy propagation :

On the basis of energy, propagation waves can be classified into two categories. 

1. Progressive waves: Progressive wave is formed due to continuous vibration of the particles of the medium. Progressive waves travel with a certain velocity. Progressive wave transports energy.

2. Stationary waves: Stationary wave is formed by the superposition of two identical progressive waves travelling in the opposite direction. Stationary wave doesn't travel in any direction. There is no flow of energy in stationary waves.

Ex. wave on a guitar string