In a longitudinal wave, area where particles are close together?

In a longitudinal wave, area where particles are close together?

• A. Rarefaction
• B. Density
• C. Medium
• D. Compression

Answer: (D)

In a longitudinal wave, particles move back and forth in the direction the wave travels, creating alternating regions of high and low density. The area where the particles are squeezed together is called a compression, because the particles are packed more tightly, increasing density and pressure. The opposite region, where particles spread out, is called a rarefaction. Density describes how much mass is packed into a space, and the medium is simply the substance the wave travels through; neither of those terms names a region of the wave.

In a longitudinal wave, particles move back and forth in the direction the wave travels, creating alternating regions of high and low density. The area where the particles are squeezed together is called a compression, because the particles are packed more tightly, increasing density and pressure. The opposite region, where particles spread out, is called a rarefaction. Density describes how much mass is packed into a space, and the medium is simply the substance the wave travels through; neither of those terms names a region of the wave.