Question

Discuss the propagation of sound as a longitudinal wave.

Answer 1

1. A sound wave is a form of energy that flows from one point to another.
2. This flow of energy is in the form of waves.
3. A wave can be categorized in two forms on the basis of particle movement i.e. Transverse waves and Longitudinal waves.
4. On the basis of medium requirement, it is categorized into two parts i.e. mechanical and non-mechanical waves.
5. Mechanical waves are waves that require a medium to travel.
6. Longitudinal waves are the waves in which particle velocity of the medium is along the line of flow of the wave.
7. Sound wave is a longitudinal wave in which particles of the medium vibrate along the direction of wave motion.
8. Flow of sound waves is in the form of compression and rarefaction.
9. Compression- It is a region of high pressure and high density in a wave motion.
10. Rarefaction- It is a region of low pressure and low density in a wave motion.