Question

Explain the meaning of the terms compression and rarefaction in relation to the longitudinal waves.

Answer 1

Hint: The energy of the particles that is in motion will get transmitted in the form of waves. These waves are dependent upon the motion of the object. The waves that travel in the longitudinal direction are called Longitudinal waves. By knowing the properties of the longitudinal waves, the question can be solved.

Complete step by step solution:
Before answering the question, first, know about the Longitudinal waves. The waves that are in motion are classified into two types based on their direction. In physics, the wave can be defined as the oscillation about a fixed point. It will be accompanied by the transfer of energy. The transfer of the energy happens through the medium because of the oscillation and the resultant waves are called mechanical waves.
Longitudinal waves occur when the waves occur in the displacement of the medium that travels in the same direction as the direction of the wave.
Definition of the terms that are given in the question,
Compression:
The region in the longitudinal waves where the particles are closer to the region is called Compression. The particles where the waves in a particular region are closer.
Rarefaction:
The region in the longitudinal waves where the particles are spread out is called Rarefaction. The particles in the waves are furthest apart from each other.
Hence the meaning of the terms compression and refraction that is in relation to the longitudinal waves are defined.

Note:
The properties of the longitudinal waves are, these waves only travel in the direction of their propagation. An example of longitudinal waves is sound waves. They are made up of rarefaction and compression. In any medium like air, liquid, longitudinal waves can be produced. Another wave is called a Transverse wave. These waves will always move perpendicular to the direction of the propagation.