1) Air can sustain1 pointa) Transverse wavesb) longitudinal wavesc) both a and bd) none of thes

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify what type of waves air can sustain.
2. Understand the definitions of transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Relevant Concepts

1. Transverse Waves: These waves move perpendicular to the direction of the wave propagation. They cannot travel through fluids (liquids and gases) because fluids do not support shear stress.
2. Longitudinal Waves: These waves move in the same direction as the wave propagation. They can easily travel through fluids as they consist of compressions and rarefactions.

Analysis and Detail

1. Since air is a gas, it cannot support transverse waves, which require a solid medium to propagate.
2. Air can support longitudinal waves, such as sound waves, since they involve compressions and expansions that can occur in gaseous states.

Verify and Summarize

• Air supports only longitudinal waves, making the answer straightforward.
• Therefore, the answer to the question is clear once the types of waves are understood.

Final Answer

b) longitudinal waves