Longitudinal Waves in Physics
A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium move back and forth in the same direction as the wave is traveling.
Key Features:
Made up of compressions (particles pushed close together)
And rarefactions (particles spread apart)
Energy moves along the wave, and particles just vibrate back and forth
Examples:
Sound waves in air
Seismic P-waves (earthquake waves)
Waves in springs or slinky toys when pushed and pulled
Fun Fact:
Unlike transverse waves, longitudinal waves don’t have crests and troughs—they have compressions and rarefactions instead!
Medium Required:
Longitudinal waves need a medium (like air, liquid, or solid) to travel through. They cannot travel in a vacuum, which is why there's no sound in space!
Comparison Tip:
Unlike transverse waves (like light), longitudinal waves don’t have crests and troughs—just compressions and rarefactions.
How do compression and rarefaction contribute to the movement of longitudinal waves?
What factors affect the amplitude of a longitudinal wave?
How does interference impact longitudinal waves?
What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in longitudinal waves?
How do seismic P-waves demonstrate the properties of longitudinal waves?
Keywords: Compression, Rarefaction, Frequency, Wavelength, Amplitude, Speed, Medium, Sound waves, Seismic waves, Pressure waves.