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Sound waves
KS3
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Wave
Waves are repeated vibrations that transfer energy
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 In a transverse wave the medium
or the channel moves perpendicular
to the direction of the wave. Here,
the particles move up and down as
the waves move horizontally.

 Examples of transverse waves are:

 Ripples on the surface of water
 Vibrations in a guitar string
 S-waves (a type of seismic wave)
 Electromagnetic waves (such as
radio, light, X-rays etc)
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 In a longitudinal wave, the
medium or the channel moves in
the same direction with respect to
the wave. Here, the movement of
the particles is from left to right
and force other particles to
vibrate.

 Examples of longitudinal waves

are:
 Sound waves
 P-waves (a type of seismic
wave)
 Pressure waves caused by
repeated movements in a liquid
or gas
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Sound wave

 Sound waves are vibrations of air

molecules

 Sound is an example of a longitudinal

wave, hence it consists of:
 Compressions - regions of higher
density
 Rarefactions - regions of lower density
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