Sound as a Longitudinal Wave

Sound as a Longitudinal Wave

Sound travels as a longitudinal wave. This means the particles of the medium move back and forth in the same direction the wave is traveling. These waves consist of compressions—where particles are close together—and rarefactions—where particles are spread out.

You can observe this type o...

Sound travels as a type of mechanical wave called a longitudinal wave.

In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium move back and forth in the same direction the wave travels.

You can think of it like a slinky being pushed and pulled. The coils bunch up and then spread out.

The bunched-up parts are called compressions, w...