Question

Explain the phenomena of propagation of sound wave through compressions and rarefactions with the help of a suitable diagram.
[5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Explanation of Phenomenon : 3 Marks
Diagram : 2 Marks

Air is the most common medium through which sound travels. When a vibrating object moves forward, it pushes and compresses the air in front of it creating a region of high pressure. This region is called a compression. This compression starts to move away from the vibrating object. When the vibrating object moves backwards, it creates a region of low pressure called rarefaction. As the object moves back and forth rapidly, a series of compressions and rarefactions is created in the air. These make the sound wave that propagates through the medium.