Question

If wave ripples move across a pond from left to right, in which direction are the water molecules moving?

Answer 1

The correct answer to the question is that the direction of the vibration of water molecule is perpendicular to the direction of ripple direction. i.e the water molecules will move up and down.

EXPLANATION:

Before going to answer this question, first we have to understand the nature of transverse wave.

A transverse wave is a wave in which the direction of propagation of the wave is perpendicular to the direction of vibration of particles.

As per the question, the ripples are created in a pond and they are moving from left to right.The wave ripples produced in a pond is transverse in nature.

When any body is thrown into the pond, the water particle at the point of disturbance will start vibrating about its mean position, and the process is repeated . The vibrated particles will move up and down about the equilibrium point. But the energy or wave will be transported from particle to particle. Hence, the vibration of particles is normal to wave propagation.

Hence, the water molecules will move up and down when the wave ripples are produced in a pond.

Answer 2

My inference is that the water molecules are moving up and down. I don't know for sure but i'm usually correct.