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Sound is a form energy that travels to us through compressional (or longitudinal) waves.

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What travels in waves?

Mechanical waves such as sound and water waves.Electromagnetic waves, such as light, radio, microwaves, x-rays.


What are the similarities and differences of primary and secondary waves?

The terms Primary wave and Secondary wave are used in seismology (the study of things like earthquakes). These are two different sorts of waves which can travel through the earth and be detected some distance away. The P wave travels faster and gets there sooner so it is called "Primary" (First). The other follows and gets there later so is called "Secondary" (Second). The primary wave is called a compression wave like a sound wave travelling through air. Each particle in the medium (substance wave travels through) pushes on the next one and builds up pressure which pushes back. In other words, the particles move back and forth along the same direction as the wave travels. The S wave is also called a shear wave. This is where the particles move sideways to the direction of motion of the wave. P waves have a typical speed through the earth at between 6 and 10km/sec (4 and 6 miles/sec). S waves travel between 3 and 7km/sec (2 to 4 miles per second). It is the study of these waves after earthquakes that allowed us to discover what the interior of the earth is made of.


Are water waves mechanical waves?

No, Mechanical waves means that the waves require a medium in order to pass through. For instance, sound is a mechanical wave because it requires the air to travel through (or any material -- such as water). Light waves are electromagnetic waves because they produce an oscillating electric/magnetic field as it travels. Also because it requires no medium to travel through, this is why the sun's light may reach us here on earth. (Note: it was previously thought that the medium in space which allowed light to travel through, this was referred to as the ether - this is false, space is a vacuum.)


5 examples of waves?

Ocean waves: These are created by the wind blowing across the surface of the ocean. Sound waves: These are vibrations that travel through a medium (such as air) and allow us to hear. Light waves: These are electromagnetic waves that allow us to see and come in different wavelengths. Seismic waves: These are waves generated by the movement of tectonic plates during an earthquake. Radio waves: These are used for communication and broadcasting and are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.


What do seismic waves tell us about the earth's interior?

Seismic waves tell us about the Earth's interior by their behavior and speed. They reveal information such as the density, composition, and state of materials within the Earth. By analyzing the travel time and behavior of seismic waves, scientists can infer details about the structure and properties of Earth's interior layers.

Related Questions

Can electormagnetic waves travel through a vacuum?

Yes, electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum because they do not require a medium to propagate. Examples of electromagnetic waves that can travel through a vacuum include visible light, radio waves, and X-rays.


Is is it possible for an electromagnetic wave to travel through a vcuum?

Yes, electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum. This is because they do not require a medium to propagate, unlike mechanical waves. This property allows electromagnetic waves, such as light from the sun, to travel through the vacuum of space.


Does the dopplar effect occur in all types of waves or just compression waves?

The Doppler effect can occur in all types of waves, including electromagnetic waves like light and radio waves, as well as compression waves like sound waves. It describes the change in frequency of the waves as the source or observer moves relative to each other.


How does air travel through the air?

Sound waves would be the commonest method of transferring information through air. This transfer relies on the compression/rarefaction of the density of the air. Electromagnetic waves travel though space without needing any intervening air at all. This is the manner in which the light and heat from the Sun reach us - both electromagnetic waves. Theoretically, gravity waves may also reach us through space, and we certainly feel the effect of the other planets in our Solar system.


How does information travel through air?

Sound waves would be the commonest method of transferring information through air. This transfer relies on the compression/rarefaction of the density of the air. Electromagnetic waves travel though space without needing any intervening air at all. This is the manner in which the light and heat from the Sun reach us - both electromagnetic waves. Theoretically, gravity waves may also reach us through space, and we certainly feel the effect of the other planets in our Solar system.


What causes the sound when a rubberband is plucked?

When a rubber band is plucked, it vibrates rapidly back and forth. This vibration creates sound waves that travel through the air and reach our ears, allowing us to hear the sound. The pitch of the sound is determined by factors such as the tension and thickness of the rubber band.


Does air have sound?

Air itself does not produce sound, but sound travels through the air as a medium. When an object vibrates, it creates sound waves that travel through the air until they reach our ears, allowing us to hear the sound.


What travels in waves?

Mechanical waves such as sound and water waves.Electromagnetic waves, such as light, radio, microwaves, x-rays.


What process is energy transferred when sound waves travel through the air?

Energy transfer in sound waves traveling through air occurs through the compression and rarefaction of air molecules. The sound source creates vibrations that cause these molecules to compress and expand, transferring energy as a wave through the air. This transfer of energy is what allows us to hear the sound.


How does information travel through the air?

Sound waves would be the commonest method of transferring information through air. This transfer relies on the compression/rarefaction of the density of the air. Electromagnetic waves travel though space without needing any intervening air at all. This is the manner in which the light and heat from the Sun reach us - both electromagnetic waves. Theoretically, gravity waves may also reach us through space, and we certainly feel the effect of the other planets in our Solar system.


How does sound travel through a xylophone?

Sound travels through a xylophone when a mallet strikes the wooden or metal bars, causing them to vibrate. These vibrations create sound waves that travel through the air and reach our ears, allowing us to hear the musical notes being played.


How does sound get from one place to another?

Sound travels from one place to another as a result of vibrations. When an object or a source of sound such as a speaker vibrates, it creates compressions and rarefactions in the surrounding medium, usually air. These compressions and rarefactions are propagated as waves, which travel through the air and reach our ears, allowing us to perceive the sound.