5.+Longitudinal+wave

= Anatomy of a Longitudinal Wave =

If a snapshot of such a longitudinal wave could be taken so as to //freeze// the shape of the slinky in time, then it would look like the following diagram.




 * the zone where the particles are compressed is known as "compression".
 * the zone where the particles are far apart is known as "rarefaction"

= = = Some wave terminalogy: = = = **1. Compression**
 * the center of a compression zone has the maximum density.
 * the compression zone is an area of high pressure.

**2. Rarefaction**
 * the center of a compression zone has the maximum density.
 * the compression zone is an area of high pressure.





> >
 * 3. Wavelength**
 * the distance between two sucessive points in phase (wavelength).
 * for example, the distance between the center of two successive compression is a wavelength.
 * also, the distance between the center of two successive rarefaction is a wavelength.


 * 4. Amplitude**
 * the maximum displacement of a particle from its rest position.[[image:funwaves/wave12.jpg width="800" height="400"]]

Click here to see animation
=In summary:= Watch this video []