What is another name for a compressional wave?

A compressional wave, also known as a longitudinal wave, is characterized by particle motion that is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. This means that as the wave travels through a medium, the particles of that medium move back and forth in the same direction that the wave is moving. This type of wave is typical in fluids and solids, allowing sound waves to travel through air or vibrations to transmit through a solid material.

The other terms in the options refer to different types of wave motions. A transverse wave, for example, is one where the particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of propagation, as is seen in waves on a string or in electromagnetic waves. Surface waves occur at the interface between different media, such as waves on water, and typically involve both longitudinal and transverse motion. Rayleigh waves are a specific type of surface wave, most commonly associated with seismic waves that roll along the ground.

Understanding the nature of compressional or longitudinal waves is essential in fields such as acoustics, seismology, and various applications of nondestructive testing.