Question

Propagation of sound can be visualized as:

• A. propagation of density variations
• B. propagation of pressure variations
• C. a series of compressions and rarefactions
• D. a transverse wave

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A propagation of density variations
B propagation of pressure variations
C a series of compressions and rarefactions

During vibration, when a particle moves forward, it compresses the air in front of it and creates a high pressure or high density region. This region is called compression. When a particle moves backward, it creates a low pressure or low density region. This region is called rarefaction. When sound propagates in a medium, the particles of the medium vibrate along the direction of propagation of wave hence, sound wave is a longitudinal wave.