Question

The distance between a compression and the next rarefaction in a longitudinal wave is

• A. $\lambda$
• B. $\frac{\lambda }{2}$
• C. $\frac{3\lambda }{4}$
• D. $2\lambda$

Answer 1

The correct option is B

$\frac{\lambda }{2}$

Explanation:

1. Wavelength is the minimum distance after which the state of disturbance is repeated in a wave motion.
2. It can also be defined as the distance between two successive compressions or rarefaction. These values get repeated after a fixed distance.
3. So, the distance between two immediate compressions and rarefaction will be $\frac{\lambda }{2}$.

Hence, option (b) is correct.