Which best describes longitudinal waves?
________________________________________
A. Compressions and rarefactions make up longitudinal waves, which can only travel in matter.
B. Longitudinal waves carry sound energy and are made up of crests and troughs.
C. Light energy travels in longitudinal waves and can travel in either matter or empty space.
Integrated Physics and Chemistry
kjk
A. Compressions and rarefactions make up longitudinal waves, which can only travel in matter.
To determine which option best describes longitudinal waves, let's examine each option and its explanation:
A. Compressions and rarefactions make up longitudinal waves, which can only travel in matter.
This statement accurately describes longitudinal waves. Longitudinal waves are characterized by compressions (areas of high pressure) and rarefactions (areas of low pressure), and they can only propagate through a medium or matter, such as air, water, or solids.
B. Longitudinal waves carry sound energy and are made up of crests and troughs.
This option is incorrect. Longitudinal waves do not have crests and troughs like transverse waves. In longitudinal waves, the particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation, rather than perpendicular as in transverse waves. Sound waves are indeed longitudinal waves, but the mention of crests and troughs is incorrect.
C. Light energy travels in longitudinal waves and can travel in either matter or empty space.
This option is also incorrect. Light waves are not longitudinal waves but rather transverse waves. In transverse waves like light waves, the particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Additionally, light waves can travel through empty space, which is not possible for longitudinal waves.
Therefore, option A is the correct choice:
A. Compressions and rarefactions make up longitudinal waves, which can only travel in matter.