Questions: In which type of mechanical wave do particles of the medium move in small circles? a surface wave b longitudinal wave c vibration d transverse wave

Solution Steps

Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through and can be classified into different types based on the motion of the particles in the medium. The main types are:

1. Longitudinal Waves: In these waves, particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of wave propagation. An example is a sound wave.

2. Transverse Waves: In these waves, particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. An example is a wave on a string.

3. Surface Waves: These waves occur at the interface between two different media, such as water and air. The particles in the medium move in circular or elliptical paths.

4. Vibration: This term generally refers to oscillations around an equilibrium point and is not a type of wave.

From the descriptions above, surface waves are characterized by the circular or elliptical motion of particles. This is typically observed in water waves, where particles move in small circles as the wave passes.

Final Answer