Question

another property of a longitudinal wave is amplitude. just as in a transverse wave, the amplitude of a longitudinal wave is the largest displacement of a part of the medium.

the yellow string marks one coil in this spring toy. watch how far the yellow string is displaced to the right or to the left from its starting, or rest, position. that displacement is the waves amplitude.

the amplitude of a longitudinal wave is related to how close together the particles are in a compression. complete the sentences to explain why.

when a wave with amplitude moves through the spring toy, the displacement of each coil to the right or left is smaller. as a result, the coils in a compression are squeezed together .

Explanation:

1. For the first blank: The text states smaller coil displacement corresponds to this amplitude type. A smaller displacement from rest position defines a low (small) amplitude wave.
2. For the second blank: If each coil moves a smaller distance left/right, they cannot get as close to one another in a compression. This results in looser, less tight packing of coils.

Answer:

When a wave with low amplitude moves through the spring toy, the displacement of each coil to the right or left is smaller. As a result, the coils in a compression are squeezed together less tightly.