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.