Longitudinal Waves

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A type of wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's propagation.

Front

What are compressions in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Regions where particles of the medium are close together.

Front

What are rarefactions in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Regions where particles of the medium are spread apart.

Front

Can sound waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, sound waves require a medium (like air, water, or solids) to travel.

Front

What is the wavelength of a longitudinal wave?

Back

The distance between two consecutive compressions or two consecutive rarefactions.

Front

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Back

The maximum distance that particles of the medium move from their rest position.

Front

How do longitudinal waves differ from transverse waves?

Back

In longitudinal waves, particles move parallel to the wave direction; in transverse waves, particles move perpendicular to the wave direction.

Front

What is the speed of sound in air at room temperature?

Back

Approximately 343 meters per second.

Front

What happens to sound waves as they travel through different mediums?

Back

Sound waves travel faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in a longitudinal wave?

Back

As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.