AFOQT Practice Test

How is sound classified in wave terms?

1. As a type of transverse wave

2. As a type of longitudinal wave created by vibrations

3. As a type of electromagnetic wave

4. As a mechanical wave that cannot travel through air

The correct answer is: As a type of longitudinal wave created by vibrations

Sound is classified as a type of longitudinal wave created by vibrations. In longitudinal waves, the oscillations of the particles in the medium occur in the same direction as the wave propagates. When sound is produced, it travels through a medium—such as air, water, or solids— by compressing and decompressing the particles in that medium, which is characteristic of longitudinal waves. This classification emphasizes that sound requires a medium to travel, as opposed to electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum. Understanding this concept is crucial in fields such as physics and engineering, as it highlights the nature of sound propagation in various environments.