What type of wave is primarily associated with sound?

Sound is primarily associated with longitudinal waves because these waves involve the oscillation of particles in a medium (such as air, water, or solids) parallel to the direction of wave propagation. In a longitudinal wave, areas of compression (where particles are close together) and rarefaction (where particles are spread apart) move through the medium, allowing sound energy to travel.

In contrast, electromagnetic waves (like light) do not require a medium and consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. Transverse waves involve particle movement that is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, such as in the case of waves on a string or water surface. Surface waves combine aspects of both longitudinal and transverse waves but are primarily seen at the interface between different mediums (like water and air). Therefore, sound, which relies on the compression and rarefaction of particles, is accurately classified as a longitudinal wave.