|
Definition of Compression and Rarefactions:
A compression is a region within a medium in which particles of that medium are smooshed together or pressed together. A rarefaction is a region within a medium in which particles of that medium are pulled apart or spread out.
|
|
The diagram shows a snapshot at one instant in time of the particles of air within the tube. The expected pattern of alternating compressions and rarefactions is observed within the tube. There are locations in which particles are smooshed or pressed together and locations in which particles are pulled apart or spread out.
|