SHM in Traveling Wave and Energy – Rankers Physics

Waves and its Characteristics: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): Every small part of string does SHM in sinusoidal travelling wave. Reason (R): In this small segment of string total energy is conserved.  
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Waves and its Characteristics. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

In a sinusoidal traveling wave, each particle of the string oscillates in simple harmonic motion (SHM) perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. So, Assertion A is true. However, for a *traveling* wave, energy is continuously transmitted along the string. Therefore, the total energy within a small segment of the string is *not* conserved, as energy flows into and out of the segment. Reason R is false.

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