Longitudinal Wave
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 3.1.3
Longitudinal Waves
Here are some example of longitudinal waves:
Pulling & pushing springs
- Pushing the spring in and out (compressing and extending), longitudinal waves are created.
- The coils and the wave move along the same line.
Sound waves
- Sound waves are longitudinal waves.
P-waves
- P-waves are pressure waves created during earthquakes.
- They are longitudinal waves.
Test yourself on Longitudinal Wave
What are some examples of longitudinal waves?
In what direction do the particles move relative to the direction of a longitudinal wave?
If a P-wave (pressure wave) from an earthquake passes through the ground, in what position will the ground particles be in once the wave has passed?