Sound Waves

In particular, sound is the result of travelling waves:

• waves propagating in one direction with negligible change in shape;

• longitudinal: particle displacement is parallel to the direction of propagation;

  Figure: Longitudinal wave, animation courtesy of Dr. Dan Russell, Kettering University.

  

• transverse: particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation;

  Figure: Transverse wave, animation courtesy of Dr. Dan Russell, Kettering University.