Longitudinal Waves

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What is a longitudinal wave?

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Give an example of a longitudinal wave.

Sound waves are a common example of longitudinal waves.

How do particles in a medium move in a longitudinal wave?

Particles in a medium move back and forth parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.

What are compressions in a longitudinal wave?

Compressions are areas where particles are close together in a longitudinal wave.

What are rarefactions in a longitudinal wave?

Rarefactions are areas where particles are spread apart in a longitudinal wave.

What is the wavelength in longitudinal waves determined by?

The wavelength is determined by the distance between consecutive compressions or rarefactions.

How do longitudinal waves differ from transverse waves in terms of particle motion?

In longitudinal waves, particle motion is parallel to wave direction, while in transverse waves, it is perpendicular.

Can longitudinal waves travel through a vacuum? Why or why not?

No, longitudinal waves require a medium to travel through, as they rely on particle displacement.

What is the speed of sound in air an example of?

The speed of sound in air is an example of the speed of a longitudinal wave in a medium.

How is frequency related to a longitudinal wave's speed?

Frequency is the number of wave cycles that pass a point per second; wave speed is frequency times wavelength.

What happens to the wavelength if the frequency of a longitudinal wave increases, assuming the speed is constant?

The wavelength decreases if the frequency increases, assuming wave speed is constant.

Why does a longitudinal wave require a medium to propagate?

A longitudinal wave requires a medium because it travels by compressing and rarefying particles in the medium.

What occurs during the rarefaction of a sound wave?

During rarefaction, the air particles are spread apart, creating a region of lower pressure.

What is the primary difference in energy transmission between longitudinal and transverse waves?

In longitudinal waves, energy is transmitted through compressions and rarefactions, while in transverse waves through crests and troughs.

How can a slinky be used to demonstrate longitudinal waves?

By compressing and releasing one end of a slinky, you create longitudinal waves that travel along the length of the slinky.