1. What is Compression Wave?

A compression wave, also known as a longitudinal wave, is a mechanical wave in which particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The speed of compression waves in a material depends on its bulk modulus and density.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the compression wave formula:

Where:

• \( v \) — Wave speed (m/s)
• \( B \) — Bulk modulus (Pa)
• \( \rho \) — Density (kg/m³)

Explanation: The formula shows that wave speed increases with higher bulk modulus (material stiffness) and decreases with higher density.

3. Importance of Wave Speed Calculation

Details: Calculating compression wave speed is essential in various fields including seismology, material science, and engineering. It helps determine material properties and predict wave behavior in different media.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter bulk modulus in Pascals (Pa) and density in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is bulk modulus?
A: Bulk modulus is a measure of a substance's resistance to uniform compression. It's defined as the ratio of pressure increase to relative volume decrease.

Q2: How does density affect wave speed?
A: Higher density materials generally have slower wave speeds because more mass needs to be moved by the wave energy.

Q3: Where are compression waves commonly observed?
A: Compression waves are observed in sound waves through air, seismic P-waves, and ultrasound waves in medical imaging.

Q4: What's the difference between compression and shear waves?
A: Compression waves involve particle motion parallel to wave direction, while shear waves involve perpendicular motion.

Q5: Can this formula be used for all materials?
A: This formula works well for homogeneous, isotropic materials but may need modification for anisotropic or composite materials.