Longitudinal waves

Longitudinal wave
Slinky
spring
Particles move backwards and forwards as
successive pulses in the wave move through
the spring.
Particles are vibrating in the same direction as the
wave.
Wavelength
Creating a longitudinal wave
1
Understanding longitudinal waves
Medium solid, liquid or gas through which energy
may be transmitted
Pulse single disturbance
Compression particles pushed closer together
Rarefaction particles pulled further apart
Do you remember the meanings of the
following terms from the previous chapter?
Wavelength Frequency Period Amplitude
Points in phase
Compressions and rarefactions
2
Understanding longitudinal waves
The equations that applied to transverse waves also
apply to longitudinal waves as well.
Speed =
Distance
time
v =
x
t
v = f x
T =

1
f
Now try some wave calculations.
To and fro movements are called vibrations or
oscillations
Creating a longitudinal wave
Waves from tuning fork
3