Question

How are sound waves produced in air? Describe the process of production of sound in a human larynx in brief.

Answer 1

Sound waves are produced by a vibrating body. Due to these vibrations, the molecules of the medium start doing to and fro motion about their mean positions. This to and fro motion of the molecules creates compressions and rarefactions in the medium.
The movement of compressions and rarefactions in the medium results in the formation of sound waves.

Production of sound in a human larynx:
The larynx (voice box) is responsible for producing sounds in humans. It consists of two vocal cords. These cords are arranged in such a manner that there is a small gap between them. This small gap allows air to pass through it. When we speak, air is forced into this small gap by the lungs. This prompts our vocal cords to vibrate and hence produce sounds.