Exam-style question
Try this first
When would you observe a longitudinal wave?.
- A.When observing light from a distant star.
- B.When listening to sound from a speaker.
- C.When watching ocean waves crash on the shore.
- D.When seeing ripples on a pond.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- When listening to sound from a speaker.
Explanation
Why this works
Longitudinal waves are typically observed in sound waves, where particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel. This is distinct from transverse waves, like those seen in light or water waves, where particle motion is perpendicular.
Thus, sound from a speaker is a clear example of a longitudinal wave.
Common mistake
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