Question

Help?

What is a longitudinal wave? Draw and label a diagram of a longitudinal wave that includes the following features:
• compression
• rarefaction
• wavelength
• amplitude
• direction wave movement

Answer 1

Hi! Do know where to start?

Answer 2

Look at the attachment! If you don't understand, I'll be back ina few to explain!

Answer 3

@Nibyssin , is that a graph? Or does it represent the displacement of the medium? I'm a little confused about that one. Sorry! And the diagram must also include rarefraction.

Answer 4

A good source for visualizations is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longitudinal_wave

Answer 5

Compression is seen where the medium is condensed. Rarefraction is just the opposite; you see it where the medium is spread out.

The amplitude is like the level of compression at a point along the wave.

The direction of wave movement, or the direction of "propagation," for a longitudinal wave, is perpendicular to bands of similar amplitude. Think of waves rolling on the ocean. The compressed part is where there is more water on the ground than around it. Of course, since you don't compress water, the water is taller there. The wave tends to move perpendicular to its extent.That reminds me of @Nibyssin 's picture :) Rarefraction, there, would be under the axis where compression is labeled, I think.

Wavelength is the distance between points along the propagation where the amplitude is the same.