Step 1: Understand what a wave is. A wave is a disturbance that travels through space and matter.
Step 2: Learn about the two main types of waves: longitudinal and transverse. Longitudinal waves have particles that move parallel to the direction of the wave, while transverse waves have particles that move perpendicular to the wave direction.
Step 3: Identify examples of longitudinal waves. Sound waves are a common example of longitudinal waves.
Step 4: Recognize that in sound waves, the air particles vibrate back and forth in the same direction as the sound is traveling.
Step 5: Conclude that since sound waves fit the definition of longitudinal waves, they are indeed longitudinal waves.
