Longitudinal Waves MDCAT Quiz is a progressive wave in which the particles of the medium oscillate in the same direction as that in which the wave is propagated. In other words, the particles move back and forth parallel to the direction of the energy flow. The waves have compressions and rarefactions that move through the medium. Longitudinal waves are common in mechanical waves such as sound waves and seismic waves. MDCAT students must know the important properties and behavior of longitudinal waves in order to solve physics problems related to wave motion.
Characteristics of Longitudinal Waves
Particle Motion: The particles in a longitudinal wave oscillate back and forth parallel to the direction of wave travel. In so doing, it creates areas of compression—where particles are close together—and rarefaction—where particles are spread apart. For instance, in a sound wave, air molecules vibrate in the same direction as the wave, creating compressions and rarefactions as it moves through the air.
Compressions and Rarefactions:
Compression: A region where the particles of the medium are closest together and the pressure is highest.
Rarefaction: A area where the particles are most spread out, creating low pressure.
Amplitude: The amplitude of a longitudinal wave refers to the greatest displacement of the particles from their equilibrium or rest position. In sound waves, greater amplitude means louder and smaller amplitude, quieter.
Wavelength: The wavelength in longitudinal waves is the distance between two successive compressions (or rarefactions). It is an important factor in determining the wave’s frequency and speed.
Wave Speed: The speed of a longitudinal wave depends upon the properties of the medium, like density and elasticity. The speed of sound, for instance, varies in different media: it is faster in solids, slower in liquids, and slowest in gases.
Examples of Longitudinal Waves
Sound Waves: Sound is one of the best examples of a longitudinal wave. When sound is produced—for example, by a vibrating guitar string—it creates compressions and rarefactions in the air, which travel through the medium to our ears. Sound waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate.
Seismic Waves: Some seismic waves, namely P-waves or primary waves, are longitudinal in nature. The waves move through the interior of the Earth and cause particles to move in the same direction as that in which the wave is propagating, thereby causing compressions and rarefactions in the Earth’s crust.
Waves in Springs: When the spring is compressed and then released, longitudinal waves travel through the coils. Each coil moves back and forth along the direction of wave propagation.
Pressure Waves in Fluids: When a disturbance occurs in a fluid (like water), longitudinal waves can form, where the particles of the fluid move in the direction of the wave’s travel, creating areas of compression and rarefaction.
MDCAT Quiz: Questions on Longitudinal Waves
In the MDCAT Quiz, there might be questions in which students have to distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves. For longitudinal waves, the questions could be on concepts such as compression, rarefaction, amplitude, and wave speed. Students may also need to apply the wave equation v=fλ to solve problems involving sound waves, seismic waves, or other examples of longitudinal waves.
- Test Name: Longitudinal Waves MDCAT Quiz
- Type: Quiz Test
- Total Questions: 30
- Total Marks: 30
- Time: 30 minutes
Note: Answer of the questions will change randomly each time you start the test, once you are finished, click the View Results button.
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Free Flashcards for Longitudinal Waves
Free flashcards focused on longitudinal waves can help MDCAT students understand critical aspects of these waves. Flashcards may include definitions, diagrams showing compressions and rarefactions of the waves, and real examples of longitudinal waves. These resources are helpful in revisiting the concepts of wave motion and preparing one for questions related to longitudinal waves in the MDCAT Quiz. Regular review of these flashcards by the student is going to help in mastering the topic for effective application in their studies.
A longitudinal wave is one in which the particles move ____ to the direction of wave propagation.
parallel
The areas of a longitudinal wave where particles are close together are called _____.
compressions
The areas of a longitudinal wave where particles are far apart are called _____.
rarefactions
The motion of particles in a longitudinal wave is along the ____ of the wave.
direction
An example of a longitudinal wave is _____.
sound
In a longitudinal wave, the particles vibrate ____ to the wave's direction.
parallel
Longitudinal waves are also called ____ waves.
compressional
The speed of sound in a medium depends on the ____ of the medium.
density
The particle displacement in a longitudinal wave is in the ____ direction as the wave travels.
same
In a longitudinal wave, compressions correspond to areas of ____ density.
high
A longitudinal wave can travel through ____ medium.
solid, liquid, and gas
The speed of sound depends on the ____ of the medium.
density
Longitudinal waves transfer energy by creating ____ and rarefactions.
compressions
In a longitudinal wave, the direction of vibration is ____ to the direction of energy transfer.
parallel
The characteristic motion in a longitudinal wave is the ____ of particles.
back-and-forth
The frequency of a longitudinal wave is measured in _____.
Hertz
Sound waves are an example of ____ waves.
longitudinal
In longitudinal waves, the displacement of particles is parallel to the direction of the _____.
wave motion
The areas of rarefaction in a longitudinal wave correspond to areas of ____ particle density.
low
The wavelength of a longitudinal wave is the distance between two _____.
compressions
Longitudinal waves can propagate through both _____.
solids and liquids
In a longitudinal wave, the compression is the region of ____ density.
high
The speed of sound in air is about ____ m/s.
340
The propagation of sound in air is an example of a ____ wave.
longitudinal
In a longitudinal wave, the displacement of particles is along the ____ of the wave.
same direction
The sound wave travels in air by creating ____ and rarefactions.
compressions
The direction of particle motion in a longitudinal wave is ____ to the wave’s direction.
parallel
The amplitude of a longitudinal wave is related to the ____ of the wave.
compression depth
The wavelength of a longitudinal wave is the distance between two consecutive _____.
compressions
The frequency of a longitudinal wave determines its _____.
pitch
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