Of the three traveling waves listed below, which one(s) is(are) traveling in the +x direction?
A)1 only
B)2 only
C)3 only
D)1, 2, and 3
E)2 and 3 only

Question

Of the three traveling waves listed below, which one(s) is(are) traveling in the +x direction? 
A)1 only 
B)2 only 
C)3 only 
D)1, 2, and 3 
E)2 and 3 only

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a transverse wave, the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of the wave. In a longitudinal wave, the displacement of the medium is parallel to the direction of the wave. 
Wave 2 is a transverse wave with oscillations perpendicular to the x-axis, meaning that it is traveling in the +x direction. 
Wave 1 and Wave 3 are longitudinal waves, with compressions and rarefactions along the direction of the wave. Wave 1 is traveling in the -x direction and Wave 3 is traveling in the -y direction.

Of the Three Traveling Waves Listed Below, Which One(s) Is(are)