- Same as Longitudinal Wave or Sound Wave. A wave incident or normal to a surface. One of many modes or dimensions of motion present in all vibrations and oscillations. Generally, considered as a motion to and from a center or source. When harmonic is considered syntropic and when enharmonic considered entropic.
- "Vibration in which the principal motion is in the direction of the longest dimension." [Rossing, Thomas D.; The Science of Sound; Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1982]
- "A vibrating medium must lengthen and shorten 2 times per each lateral (transverse) oscillation; so 1 longitudinal wave equals 2 lateral or (transverse). Longitudinal wave frequencies are independent of string tension." [Tyndall, John; Sound; Longmans, Green, and Co., London, 1893]
See Also
Compression Wave
Compression Wave Velocity
Dispersion
Expansion
Figure 8.2 - Compression Wave Phase Illustration
Figure 8.3 - Coiled Spring showing Longitudinal Wave
Longitudinal Wave
power of compression
Rarefaction
Sine Wave
Wave
Wave Field
8.3 - Conventional View of Wave Motion