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Where is the compression of a longitudinal wave located?

a) In the middle of the wave
b) At the wave's peak
c) At the wave's trough
d) At the beginning of the wave

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The compression of a longitudinal wave is where particles are closest together, analogous to a peak in a transverse wave, and not specified in the given options. Wavelength in a longitudinal wave is the measure between consecutive compressions or rarefactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The compression of a longitudinal wave is located where the particles of the medium are closest together, resulting in areas of higher pressure. When considering the provided choices, the correct answer to the question is not explicitly listed. However, it is important to note that in a longitudinal wave, compressions are analogous to peaks in a transverse wave, whereas rarefactions are analogous to troughs. The wavelength in a longitudinal wave is the distance between two consecutive compressions or two consecutive rarefactions.

Therefore, to answer the similar question in the introductory text, which asks which component of a longitudinal sound wave is analogous to a trough of a transverse wave, the answer would be "rarefaction."

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