Question

Longitudinal waves are also called

• A. Rarefactional waves
• B. Compressional waves
• C. Sound waves
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

Sound is a mechanical wave that results from the back and forth vibration of the particles of the medium through which the sound wave is moving. If a sound wave is moving from left to right through the air, then particles of air will be displaced both rightward and leftward as the energy of the sound wave passes through it. The motion of the particles is parallel to the direction of the energy transport. This is what characterizes sound waves in the air as longitudinal waves.

Longitudinal waves are also called compressional waves or rarefactional waves because they produce compression and rarefaction of the pressure when traveling through a medium.