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 is compression in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The part of a longitudinal wave where the particles of the medium are close together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

The part of a longitudinal wave where the particles of the medium are spread apart.

Front

What is the relationship between compression and rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Back

Compression and rarefaction are alternating regions in a longitudinal wave, with compression being where particles are close together and rarefaction where they are spread apart.

Front

Can sound waves travel through a vacuum?

Back

No, sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum because they require a medium (like air, water, or solids) to propagate.

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 longitudinal wave?

Back

The maximum distance that the particles of the medium move from their rest position during the wave's propagation.

Front

How do longitudinal waves differ from transverse waves?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Back

Sound waves are a common example of longitudinal waves.

Front

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

Back

Approximately 343 meters per second (m/s).