Sound waves are types of waves that move in a special way. We call them longitudinal waves because they make particles vibrate in the same direction the sound is going.
How Particles Move: In longitudinal waves, particles move closer together in some parts (this is called compression) and spread out in other parts (this is called rarefaction).
Everyday Example: A simple example of this is how sound travels through the air. When someone talks, they create areas where the air is squeezed together (high pressure) and areas where the air is spread out (low pressure). These areas move through the air and let us hear sound.
Imagine playing with a slinky toy. If you push and pull it along its length, the coils move back and forth in the same direction you are pushing. This is similar to how sound waves travel through the air!
Sound waves are types of waves that move in a special way. We call them longitudinal waves because they make particles vibrate in the same direction the sound is going.
How Particles Move: In longitudinal waves, particles move closer together in some parts (this is called compression) and spread out in other parts (this is called rarefaction).
Everyday Example: A simple example of this is how sound travels through the air. When someone talks, they create areas where the air is squeezed together (high pressure) and areas where the air is spread out (low pressure). These areas move through the air and let us hear sound.
Imagine playing with a slinky toy. If you push and pull it along its length, the coils move back and forth in the same direction you are pushing. This is similar to how sound waves travel through the air!