How do the particles of the medium move as a sound wave travels through them?
Answer
They oscillate back and forth around a fixed equilibrium position.
The particles themselves do not travel across space; instead, they only oscillate locally around their resting point as the chain reaction of energy transfer occurs.
#Videos
How Sound Travels Across Different Mediums - YouTube
Related Questions
What fundamental requirement defines sound as a mechanical wave?What is the term for the region of higher pressure created when a vibrating source pushes surrounding particles closer together?How do the particles of the medium move as a sound wave travels through them?What is the approximate speed of sound in air at standard sea-level conditions ($20^ ext{o} ext{C}$)?Why is sound transmission in water much more efficient than in air?In which state of matter, exemplified by steel, does sound generally travel the fastest, approaching $5000 ext{ m/s}$?What type of wave can solids support that liquids and gases primarily cannot, involving particle oscillation perpendicular to wave travel?What two primary intrinsic physical properties govern the speed at which sound travels through a medium?How does density generally affect sound speed when comparing materials of similar elasticity?What mathematical relationship defines Acoustic Impedance?What phenomenon occurs when sound moves across a boundary between media with significantly different acoustic impedances?Why do liquids and gases primarily transmit only longitudinal waves?