For a longitudinal mechanical wave, the particle motion is
A) parallel to the direction of the wave velocity.
B) perpendicular to the direction of the wave velocity.
C) both parallel and perpendicular to the direction of the wave velocity.
D) in all directions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave velocity. This is characteristic of sound waves in air, where the air molecules vibrate along the direction of the wave propagation.

For a Longitudinal Mechanical Wave, the Particle Motion Is