Longitudinal Waves

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A type of wave where the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Front

What is required for longitudinal waves to transfer energy?

Back

A medium.

Front

Can sound waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum because they require particles to propagate.

Front

What is compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The part of the wave where particles are close together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The part of the wave where particles are spread apart.

Front

What is the wavelength in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The distance between two consecutive compressions or rarefactions.

Front

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Back

The maximum displacement of particles from their rest position.

Front

How do longitudinal waves differ from transverse waves?

Back

In longitudinal waves, particle displacement is parallel to wave direction; in transverse waves, it is perpendicular.

Front

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Back

Sound waves are a common example of longitudinal waves.

Front

What happens to the medium during the propagation of a longitudinal wave?

Back

The medium's particles oscillate back and forth in the direction of the wave.