what is the difference between a compressional wave with a large amplitude and one with a small amplitude
Amplitude in compressional waves is measured in pressure differences. Large amplitude will have large pressure differences, small amplitude will have lower pressure differences between the compressed area and the rarefied area
A compressional wave, also known as a longitudinal wave, is a type of wave that causes particles in a medium to move back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels. The difference between a compressional wave with a large amplitude and one with a small amplitude lies in the magnitude, or size, of the particle displacement or the distance the particles are displaced from their equilibrium position.
To understand the difference between the two, let's start with the definition of amplitude. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of particles from their equilibrium position. In other words, it represents the height or magnitude of the wave.
In the case of a compressional wave, a large amplitude means that the particles in the medium are displaced by a greater distance from their equilibrium position. This results in a wave that has higher peaks and deeper troughs. As a visual analogy, imagine a wave with a large amplitude as a taller and deeper ocean wave.
On the other hand, a small amplitude means that the particles in the medium are displaced by a lesser distance from their equilibrium position. This results in a wave that has smaller peaks and shallower troughs. Using the ocean wave analogy, a wave with a small amplitude would be shorter and less pronounced.
To observe and measure the amplitudes of compressional waves, you can use various methods depending on the context. For example, in the case of sound waves, a microphone can be used to convert the compression and rarefaction of air particles into electrical signals, which can then be analyzed to determine the amplitude.
In summary, the key difference between a compressional wave with a large amplitude and one with a small amplitude is the magnitude or size of the displacement of particles from their equilibrium position, resulting in a wave with higher or lower peaks and deeper or shallower troughs.