Chapter 14, Problem 1CQ

A long nail has been driven halfway into the side of a barn. How should you hit the nail with a hammer to generate a longitudinal wave? How should you hit it to generate a transverse wave?

To determine

The method to hit the nail with a hammer to generate the longitudinal waves and the transverse wave.

Answer to Problem 1CQ

In order to generate the longitudinal wave hit the nail on the head in a direction parallel to its length and to generate the transverse wave, hit the nail in a direction perpendicular to its length.

Explanation of Solution

The longitudinal waves are those waves in which the displacement of individual particles is parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave. In order to generate the longitudinal waves with the help of nail and hammer system, it is required to hit the hammer on the nail in the direction along the central axis of the nail and this central axis of the nail lies along the length of the nail.

The transverse wave is defined as those waves in which the displacement of the individual particle is at right angle to the direction of propagation of the wave. In order to generate transverse waves with the help of nail and hammer system, it is required to hit the nail in direction perpendicular to the central axis of the nail.

Conclusion:

Therefore, in order to generate the longitudinal wave hit the nail on the head in a direction parallel to its length and to generate the transverse wave, hit the nail in a direction perpendicular to its length.