Which of the following statements are true for wave motion ?

Options

A. Mechanical transverse wave can propagate through all mediums
B. Longitudinal waves can propagate through solids only
C. Mechanical transverse waves can propagate through solids only
D. Longitudinal waves can propagate through vacuum

Answer

C

Explanation

When mechanical transverse wave propagates through a medium, the constituents of the medium oscillate perpendicular to wave motion causing change in shape.That is each, element of the medium is subjected to shearing stress. Solids and strings have shear modulus and sustain shearing stress.
Fluids have no shape of their own, they yield to shearing stress. Therefore, transverse waves are possible in solids and strings but not in fluids.