Question

Describe with the help of a diagram, how compressions and rarefactions are produced in air near a source of sound.

Answer 1

When a vibrating body moves forward, it creates a region of high pressure in its vicinity. This region of high pressure is known as compressions. When it moves backward, it creates a region of low pressure in its vicinity. This region is known as a rarefaction. As the body continues to move forward and backwards, it produces a series of compressions and rarefactions (as shown in the following figure).