Longitudinal Waves

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What is a longitudinal wave?
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A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
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Give an example of a longitudinal wave.
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Sound waves are a common example of longitudinal waves.
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How do particles in a medium move in a longitudinal wave?
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Particles in a medium move back and forth parallel to the direction of the wave's travel.
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What are compressions in a longitudinal wave?
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Compressions are areas where particles are close together in a longitudinal wave.
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What are rarefactions in a longitudinal wave?
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Rarefactions are areas where particles are spread apart in a longitudinal wave.
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What is the wavelength in longitudinal waves determined by?
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The wavelength is determined by the distance between consecutive compressions or rarefactions.
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How do longitudinal waves differ from transverse waves in terms of particle motion?
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In longitudinal waves, particle motion is parallel to wave direction, while in transverse waves, it is perpendicular.
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Can longitudinal waves travel through a vacuum? Why or why not?
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No, longitudinal waves require a medium to travel through, as they rely on particle displacement.
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What is the speed of sound in air an example of?
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The speed of sound in air is an example of the speed of a longitudinal wave in a medium.
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How is frequency related to a longitudinal wave's speed?
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Frequency is the number of wave cycles that pass a point per second; wave speed is frequency times wavelength.
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What happens to the wavelength if the frequency of a longitudinal wave increases, assuming the speed is constant?
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The wavelength decreases if the frequency increases, assuming wave speed is constant.
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Why does a longitudinal wave require a medium to propagate?
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A longitudinal wave requires a medium because it travels by compressing and rarefying particles in the medium.
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What occurs during the rarefaction of a sound wave?
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During rarefaction, the air particles are spread apart, creating a region of lower pressure.
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What is the primary difference in energy transmission between longitudinal and transverse waves?
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In longitudinal waves, energy is transmitted through compressions and rarefactions, while in transverse waves through crests and troughs.
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How can a slinky be used to demonstrate longitudinal waves?
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By compressing and releasing one end of a slinky, you create longitudinal waves that travel along the length of the slinky.
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