Chapter 9.1, Problem 5R

To determine

The description of the world if all waves were mechanical waves.

Answer to Problem 5R

The laser could be used as weapon and the flashlights can be used as thrusters if all the waves in the world were mechanical.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Those waves which require a material medium for propagation are called mechanical waves.

In the world mechanical as well as non mechanical waves are present. Mechanical waves require medium while non mechanical medium do not require medium for propagation.

If all the waves were mechanical waves then laser lights could be used as weapon. Even the flashlights can be used for propulsion if all the waves in the world were mechanical in nature. If all the waves were mechanical then no wave could propagate in vacuum.

Conclusion:

Thus, the laser could be used as weapon and the flashlights can be used as thrusters if all the waves in the world were mechanical.