Definition:Longitudinal Wave

Definition

A longitudinal wave is a wave whose energy is propagated by the displacement of the medium in the same direction as the direction of propagation.

Examples

Sound

A sound wave is an example of a longitudinal wave.

Also see

• Results about longitudinal waves can be found here.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): longitudinal wave
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): longitudinal wave