Longitudinal wavelength
The wavelength of any wave is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase.
In terms of a longitudinal wave though:
The wavelength of a longitudinal wave is the distance between two consecutive compressions or rarefactions in the wave.
Basically, we measure the distance between two of the compressed bits (next to each other) or two of the less-dense bits (again, next to each other) in the wave.
flashcards
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the definition of wavelength for any wave? | The wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase. |
| How is wavelength defined specifically for a longitudinal wave? | The wavelength of a longitudinal wave is the distance between two consecutive compressions or rarefactions. |
| In a longitudinal wave, what two features can you measure between to find the wavelength? | You measure the distance between two consecutive compressions or between two consecutive rarefactions. |