Longitudinal particle displacement

The particle displacement of a longitudinal wave is the distance that a particle is displaced from its equilibrium (rest) position.

Direction

In a longitudinal wave, the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave travel, or energy propagation.

flashcards

QuestionAnswer
What is particle displacement in a longitudinal wave?The distance a particle is displaced from its equilibrium (rest) position.
In a longitudinal wave, how does the direction of particle displacement relate to the wave’s travel?It is parallel to the direction of wave travel (energy propagation).