Question

What are compression and rarefaction in longitudinal waves?

Answer 1

Compression: A compression may be defined as follows:

1. The part of a longitudinal wave in which the density of the particles of the medium is higher than the normal density is called compression.
2. The portions of the air in which the molecules are pushed closer have a larger number of molecules per unit volume than the normal air.
3. Therefore, these portions are called compressions.

Rarefaction: A rarefaction may be defined as follows:

1. The part of a longitudinal wave in which the density of the particles of the medium is lesser than the normal density is called a rarefaction.
2. The portions of the air in which the molecules are pulled apart have fewer molecules per unit volume than the normal air.
3. Therefore, these portions are called rarefactions.