Question

a sound wave travels through water. what best describes the direction of the water particles? the water particles move in the same direction as the vibrating source of the sound wave. the water particles do not move because the sound wave does not have enough energy. the water particles move perpendicular to the source of the sound wave. the water particles move in random patterns because the sound is diffracted in many directions.

Explanation:

Sound waves are longitudinal waves. In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium (here, water) vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. So water particles move in the same direction as the vibrating source (which causes the sound wave's propagation direction). The other options are incorrect: sound waves do transfer energy (so particles do move, eliminating the second option), longitudinal waves have parallel particle motion (not perpendicular, eliminating the third), and diffraction doesn't make particles move randomly (eliminating the fourth).

Answer:

The water particles move in the same direction as the vibrating source of the sound wave.