Longitudinal waves are waves in which the displacement of the medium is in the same direction as, or the opposite direction to, the direction of propagation of the wave. This is in contrast to transverse waves, where the displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Sound waves in air are a prime example of longitudinal waves. Key properties include compressions (regions of high pressure) and rarefactions (regions of low pressure). Understanding wavelength, frequency, and speed is essential for solving problems related to longitudinal waves. The speed of a longitudinal wave can be calculated using the formula $v = f\lambda$, where $v$ is the speed, $f$ is the frequency, and $\lambda$ is the wavelength.
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Compression | A. The distance between two successive compressions or rarefactions. |
| 2. Rarefaction | B. The number of complete waves that pass a point per unit time. |
| 3. Wavelength | C. A region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together. |
| 4. Frequency | D. The maximum displacement of a particle from its rest position. |
| 5. Amplitude | E. A region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are furthest apart. |
Answers: 1-C, 2-E, 3-A, 4-B, 5-D
Longitudinal waves consist of __________ and __________. The distance between two consecutive compressions is called the __________. The __________ of a wave is the number of cycles per second, measured in __________. The speed of a longitudinal wave is equal to __________ multiplied by __________.
Answers: compressions, rarefactions, wavelength, frequency, Hertz, frequency, wavelength
Imagine you are standing a certain distance away from a loudspeaker. The frequency of the sound emitted from the loudspeaker increases. How does this change affect the wavelength and your perception of the sound?
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