Which statement correctly describes a property of sound waves
Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to travel through.
To correctly describe a property of sound waves, one should consider the fact that sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to propagate. Here are three statements, one of which correctly describes a property of sound waves:
1. Sound waves travel at the same speed in all mediums.
2. Sound waves can travel through a vacuum.
3. Sound waves are longitudinal waves.
To identify the correct statement, let's evaluate each option:
1. Sound waves travel at the same speed in all mediums: This statement is false. The speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it travels. For example, sound waves travel faster through solids than through gases.
2. Sound waves can travel through a vacuum: This statement is false. Sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum because a vacuum lacks the necessary particles to transmit the sound vibrations.
3. Sound waves are longitudinal waves: This statement is correct. Sound waves are indeed longitudinal waves, meaning the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. This vibration creates regions of compression and rarefaction, leading to the propagation of sound.
Thus, the correct statement is that sound waves are longitudinal waves.