A stretched slinky is given a sharp push along its length. A wave travels from one end to another. The wave so produced is

Options

A. transverse wave
B. longitudinal wave
C. stationary wave
D. none of the above

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the type of wave produced when a stretched slinky is given a sharp push along its length, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Slinky**:
- A slinky is a helical, flexible spring-like structure. It can be stretched and compressed.

2. **Applying a Push**:
- When a sharp push is applied along the length of the slinky, it causes the coils of the slinky to compress and then to expand.

3. **Identifying Wave Characteristics**:
- The push creates areas where the coils are closer together (compression) and areas where they are farther apart (rarefaction).

4. **Wave Type Determination**:
- In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium (in this case, the coils of the slinky) vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave's travel. Since the push causes compressions and rarefactions along the length of the slinky, this indicates that the wave produced is a longitudinal wave.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the wave produced when a stretched slinky is given a sharp push along its length is a longitudinal wave.

### Final Answer:
The wave so produced is a **longitudinal wave**.

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