Sound Wave
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Sound Wave
A longitudinal wave whose waves oscillate parallel to the direction of travel.
- Related Glossary Terms
Bulk Modulus Equation, Longitudinal Waveⓘ, Speed of Sound Equation
- Index
Glossary and deeper reading · 2 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Wave
A wave is a propagating disturbance that can transfer energy without transporting the medium as a whole. Mechanical waves require a material medium, while electromagnetic waves can propagate through vacuum. For example, a pulse travels along a rope while individual rope segments move locally around their equilibrium positions.
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Longitudinal wave
In a longitudinal wave, the disturbance is parallel to the direction of propagation. Compression and rarefaction can travel while particles oscillate locally along that direction. For example, sound in air is a longitudinal pressure disturbance rather than a stream of air traveling all the way from source to listener.