Longitudinal Wave
Also known as: compression wave
A wave where the medium oscillates parallel to the direction of wave travel, forming compressions and rarefactions. How sound travels through air, water, and solids — all pressure waves are longitudinal.
💡 Intuition
A slinky pushed back and forth: compressions and stretches travel along it.
Core Idea
The vibration direction is the same as the travel direction.
🔬 Example
🎯 Why It Matters
How sound travels through air, water, and solids — all pressure waves are longitudinal.
⚠️ Common Confusion
Longitudinal waves can't be polarized (no perpendicular direction to filter).
Related Concepts
How Longitudinal Wave Connects to Other Ideas
To understand longitudinal wave, you should first be comfortable with waves. Once you have a solid grasp of longitudinal wave, you can move on to sound.
Go Deeper
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Longitudinal Wave in Physics?
A wave where the medium oscillates parallel to the direction of wave travel, forming compressions and rarefactions.
Why is Longitudinal Wave important?
How sound travels through air, water, and solids — all pressure waves are longitudinal.
What do students usually get wrong about Longitudinal Wave?
Longitudinal waves can't be polarized (no perpendicular direction to filter).
What should I learn before Longitudinal Wave?
Before studying Longitudinal Wave, you should understand: waves.
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