9.2 - Nature of a Sound Wave - Paul Fischer | Laabri

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A sound wave is a pressure wave; regions of high (compressions) and low pressure (rarefactions) are established as the result of the vibrations of the sound source. These compressions and rarefactions result because sound

vibrates longitudinally; the longitudinal movement of air produces pressure fluctuations.

is able to reflect off fixed ends and interfere with incident waves

is like all waves; it is able to bend into the regions of space behind obstacles.

waves have a speed that is dependent only upon the properties of the medium.

is more dense than air and thus has more inertia, causing the bunching up of sound.

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produced by an oscillating object and a light wave is not.

capable of existing with a variety of frequencies and a light wave has a single frequency.

not capable of diffracting and a light wave is.

not capable of traveling through a vacuum.

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