Wave Velocity vs. Particle Velocity – Rankers Physics
Topic: Waves
Subtopic: Waves and its Characteristics

Wave Velocity vs. Particle Velocity

Assertion (A): For a given medium in a wave, particle velocity varies w.r.t. time, while the wave velocity is independent of time.
Reason (R): For propagation of mechanical wave, medium must have the properties of elasticity and inertia.
 
(1) Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
(2) Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(3) (A) is true but (R) is false
(4) Both (A) and (R) are false

Solution:

Particle velocity in a wave is oscillatory and time-dependent, while wave velocity in a homogeneous medium is constant. So, Assertion (A) is true. Mechanical waves require elasticity for restoring force and inertia for propagation. So, Reason (R) is true. However, (R) explains wave propagation conditions, not the difference in velocities.

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