Question

Why is a sound wave called a longitudinal wave ?

Answer 1

Hint:Here we will know how many types of waves are they, which are they, what is their definition and how do they differ from each other; we will also know how sound waves satisfy the definition of longitudinal waves.

Complete answer:
There are two types of waves:
(1) transverse waves
(2) longitudinal waves
A transverse wave is a moving wave with oscillations that are perpendicular to the wave's path. By securing one end of the string and moving the other up and down, a simple example of the wave can be made on a horizontal length of string. Another example of a transverse wave is light, in which the oscillations are electric and magnetic fields at right angles to the ideal light rays that define the propagation direction.

Longitudinal waves are those in which the medium displacement is in the same direction as the wave's travel direction. The vibrating motion of particles travelling through a conductive medium produces a sound wave, which is an example of a longitudinal wave. The tuning fork is an example of sound waves travelling in a longitudinal direction.

The difference between the maximum pressure generated by the wave and the pressure of the undisturbed air is the amplitude of the wave in sound waves. The type, composition, and temperature of the medium through which sound travels determine its propagation speed.Longitudinal waves are those in which the displacement of the medium is in the same direction as the wave's movement direction, or in the opposite direction.

The wavelength is the distance between the centres of two consecutive compression or rarefaction regions. The vibrating motion of particles travelling through a conductive medium produces a sound wave, which is an example of a longitudinal wave. Because of the compressions and rarefactions in the air, the sound wave is considered a longitudinal wave.

The air particles vibrate in a direction that is parallel to the propagation direction. The difference between the maximum pressure generated by the wave and the pressure of the undisturbed air is the amplitude of the wave in sound waves. Sound propagation speed is determined by the form, structure, and temperature of the medium through which it travels.

Note:Some of the differences between longitudinal and transverse wave can be given as: Longitudinal waves moves in the direction of its propagation where transverse waves moves in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the propagation of the wave; longitudinal waves are made of refractions and transverse are made of troughs and crests.