In a longitudinal wave, how do the particles move in relation to the direction of the wave?

In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium move in a direction that is parallel to the path of the wave. This type of wave consists of compressions and rarefactions, where the particles are alternately pushed together and pulled apart longitudinally. As the wave travels through the medium, the individual particles oscillate back and forth in the same direction as the wave's energy is transferred. This parallel movement is a defining characteristic of longitudinal waves, such as sound waves, where the mechanical energy travels through the medium by causing the particles to vibrate along the direction of the propagation of the wave. Understanding this concept is essential for grasping how different types of waves behave and interact with their environment.