What type of wave are sound waves?

Sound waves are classified as longitudinal waves because they consist of compressions and rarefactions that move in the same direction as the wave itself travels. In this case, the particles of the medium (like air, water, or solids) oscillate back and forth along the direction of wave propagation, creating areas of high pressure (compressions) and low pressure (rarefactions).

In longitudinal waves, such as sound, the energy travels through the medium as the particles push against one another, transmitting the sound from one location to another. This behavior is distinct from transverse waves, where the particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, as seen in waves on a string or electromagnetic waves.

Spherical, while a potential shape for sound waves radiating from a point source, does not define the wave type itself. Thus, the nature of sound waves as longitudinal is essential to understanding their propagation characteristics in various media, confirming that the correct identification aligns with their fundamental behavior.