Sound waves are an example of which type of wave?

Sound waves are classified as longitudinal waves because they consist of oscillations or vibrations that occur in the same direction as the wave travels. In the case of sound, when a sound source vibrates, it creates compressions and rarefactions in the medium (like air, water, or solids) through which it travels.

In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium move back and forth along the path that the wave travels. This can be visualized as a slinky being pushed and pulled along its length, creating areas where particles are closer together (compressions) and areas where they are further apart (rarefactions).

In contrast, transverse waves, such as light waves and waves on a string, oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. Electromagnetic waves are a specific type of transverse wave that does not require a medium and can propagate through a vacuum. Gravity waves are different phenomena related to the distortion of spacetime caused by accelerating masses.

Thus, sound waves exemplify the characteristics of longitudinal waves as they rely on the compressive and rarefactive motion of particles within a medium, making the classification as longitudinal accurate.