Longitudinal waves

What is a longitudinal wave?

A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of energy transport.

What is a compression?

A region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together, creating a point of maximum density and pressure.

What is a rarefaction?

A region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are furthest apart, creating a point of minimum density and pressure.

How is wavelength measured in a longitudinal wave?

It is the distance between the centers of two consecutive compressions or two consecutive rarefactions.

What is the most common example of a longitudinal wave?

Sound waves traveling through a fluid such as air or water.

Can longitudinal waves travel through a vacuum?

No, they require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) because they rely on particle-to-particle interaction to transfer energy.

What is the amplitude of a longitudinal wave?

The maximum displacement of a particle from its equilibrium position, which corresponds to the magnitude of pressure change in the medium.

What are Primary waves (P-waves)?

Seismic waves that are longitudinal in nature and are the first to be detected by seismographs during an earthquake.

How is frequency defined for longitudinal waves?

The number of compressions or rarefactions that pass a given point per unit of time, typically measured in Hertz (Hz).

In which medium does a longitudinal sound wave typically travel fastest?

Solids, because the particles are more tightly packed and have higher elastic properties compared to liquids or gases.