Longitudinal Waves

Flashcards covering the characteristics and components of longitudinal waves.

How do the particles of the medium vibrate in a longitudinal wave relative to the direction of the wave's motion?

The vibration is along the same direction as the motion of the wave.

What can be used to form longitudinal waves by alternately compressing or expanding one end?

A Slinky.

In a longitudinal wave, what are the areas where the particles/coils are momentarily close together called?

Compressions.

What are rarefactions in a longitudinal wave?

Regions where the coils or particles are momentarily far apart.

What is another name for rarefactions?

Expansions.

What do compressions and rarefactions of a longitudinal wave correspond to in a transverse wave?

Compressions correspond to crests, and rarefactions correspond to troughs.