What are some examples of sound waves?

Two examples of sound waves are transverse waves and longitudinal waves. Students can visualize transverse waves as ripples on a pond and longitudinal waves the movements of a slinky.

Sound waves are created by the vibration of an item, which then produces a pressure wave that displaces the air. The displacement vibrates the ear drum in the ears and is registered as a sound by the brain.

Sounds waves can pass through mediums such as air, water, gases and solids. Longitudinal waves will go through compressible mediums, while transverse waves go through solid objects such as wood. However, the particles within the medium do not travel with the sound wave.