Chapter 9.2, Problem 12R

To determine

The difference between a longitudinal wave with a large amplitude and one with a small amplitude.

Answer to Problem 12R

The difference between a longitudinal wave with a large amplitude and one with a small amplitude is that wave with longer amplitude have dense medium and tightly pulled particles while the wave with small amplitude have less dense medium and loosely pulled particles.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The waves in which the particles moves parallel to the propagation of wave is called longitudinal wave. The maximum vibration from equilibrium position is called amplitude.

The longitudinal wave with long amplitude will have denser medium and the particles will be pulled more tightly with each other while the longitudinal wave with small amplitude will have less denser medium and the particles will be loosely pulled together.

Conclusion:

The difference between a longitudinal wave with a large amplitude and one with a small amplitude is that wave with longer amplitude have dense medium and tightly pulled particles while the wave with small amplitude have less dense medium and loosely pulled particles.