1. Tardigrade
  2. Question
  3. Physics
  4. Assertion Transverse waves are possible in solids and strings (under tension) but not in fluids. Reason Solids and strings have non-zero shear modulus, but fluids have approximately zero shear modulus.

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Q. Assertion Transverse waves are possible in solids and strings (under tension) but not in fluids.
Reason Solids and strings have non-zero shear modulus, but fluids have approximately zero shear modulus.

Waves

Solution:

In transverse waves, the particle motion is normal to the direction of propagation of the wave. Therefore, as the wave propagates each element of the medium undergoes a shearing strain. Transverse waves, can therefore, be propagated in those media, which can sustain shearing stress. Since, solids and strings have shear modulus and hence they can sustain shearing stress. So, transverse waves can be generated in them. However, fluids have approximately zero shear modulus. Thus, they cannot sustain shearing stress and get deformed, i.e. they do not have shape of their own and hence no transverse wave is possible in fluids. Therefore, Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.