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Longitudinal Waves.
When a longitudinal wave moves through a material,
the particles of the material move
backwards and forwards
along the direction in which the
wave is travelling.
Below is a picture of a longitudinal
wave travelling along a spring.
Rarefaction (pronounced rair - ree -
fac - shun)
is the name given to the region
where the coils of the spring are pulled
apart.
Compression is the name given to the
region
where the coils of the spring are pushed
together.
The wavelength
can be measured
as the distance between the
centre of two compressions.
Examples of longitudinal waves are
1. Sound.
2. P
waves from earthquakes.
Headings
Waves Search Questions
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Copyright © 2008 Dr. Colin France. All Rights Reserved.