Longitudinal Waves & Ear Anatomy

Front

Longitudinal waves

Back

Waves with oscillations parallel to direction of travel

Front

Sound waves

Back

Example of longitudinal waves

Front

Compression

Back

Region of high pressure in a longitudinal wave

Front

Rarefaction

Back

Region of low pressure in a longitudinal wave

Front

Outer ear

Back

Collects sound waves

Front

Pinna

Back

Part of outer ear, directs sound into ear canal

Front

Ear canal

Back

Pathway for sound to eardrum

Front

Eardrum

Back

Vibrates in response to sound waves

Front

Middle ear

Back

Contains ossicles, transmits vibrations

Front

Ossicles

Back

Malleus, incus, stapes; amplify sound