What type of wave is sound?

Last Updated: 25 Jun 2026

What type of wave is sound? Here, the relevant answer is “Longitudinal wave.” A sound solution relies on the governing concept rather than a memorised option letter, because option order may change in another paper. The distractors in this question—Transverse wave, Electromagnetic wave, Surface wave—do not satisfy the exact condition stated. The final selection must agree with the explanation and marked answer: Longitudinal wave.

ATransverse wave

BLongitudinal wave

CElectromagnetic wave

DSurface wave

Correct Answer: Longitudinal waveYour Answer: B

Explanation

— the scientifically appropriate response is Longitudinal wave. Option-wise review: Longitudinal wave is correct under the condition given in the stem. Transverse wave is incorrect because it describes a different quantity or phenomenon and does not meet the stated condition. Electromagnetic wave is also incorrect; although it may be a valid physics term, its definition or application is not the one asked here. Surface wave is incorrect because it fails the governing relation or characteristic relevant to this case. Therefore, option B, Longitudinal wave, is factually and logically consistent with the question. Sound is a longitudinal mechanical wave where particle displacement is parallel to wave propagation.

Important Notes

Read the complete stem before looking at the options. Identify whether the demand is a definition, unit, formula, direction, cause, effect, image characteristic, or device principle. In this record, the confirmed answer is Longitudinal wave.
Physics answers are condition-dependent. The same lens, force, circuit, wave, or thermodynamic system can behave differently when distance, medium, temperature, direction, or boundary conditions change. Preserve every qualifier in the question.
Learn each concept as a five-part card: definition; common symbol; SI unit; principal equation; and one real-life application. This works for mechanics, heat, optics, sound, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
Eliminate Transverse wave, Electromagnetic wave, Surface wave here because none fulfils the exact requirement of the stem. The final answer and correct-index field must point to option B.
Exam memory point: connect Longitudinal wave directly with the key wording of the question, then verify it once against the relevant definition or formula before marking the answer.Cannot travel in vacuum

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FAQ

SSC CGL Physics FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

How many physics questions usually appear in the SSC CGL exam?

Physics typically makes up a small portion of the General Science questions, usually focused on concepts rather than numerical problems.

Which physics topics are most important for SSC CGL?

Basic mechanics, heat, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism are the areas that come up most consistently across previous papers.

Do I need to solve numerical problems for SSC CGL physics?

Rarely. Most questions are conceptual and test everyday understanding rather than calculation skills.

Is NCERT physics enough for SSC CGL preparation?

NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 10 build a strong enough conceptual base for most of what SSC CGL asks.

How can I make physics concepts easier to remember for SSC CGL?

Connecting concepts to everyday observations, like why a thermos keeps tea warm, makes them far easier to recall than memorizing definitions.

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