Question

How does sound propagate in air? Explain.

Answer 1

Sound propagates as a longitudinal wave in the air. The air molecules do not move from their place but only vibrate about their original position. The air molecules come together in areas called compressions and they lie away from each other in areas called rarefactions.
Sound waves in the air consist of compressions and rarefactions in the alternate fashion.
Thus, sound propagates in air as a longitudinal wave in the form of compression and rarefaction.