Which term describes the less dense region of a compressional wave?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes the less dense region of a compressional wave?

Explanation:
In a compressional (longitudinal) wave, particles in the medium oscillate back and forth, creating alternating regions of higher density (where particles are squeezed together) and lower density (where they’re spread apart). The term for the less dense region is rarefaction. This region corresponds to the lower pressure and reduced density as the wave passes. The other options describe different ideas: compression refers to the denser region, amplitude is about how big the wave’s displacement or pressure change is, and density peak points to the dense, compressed part. So rarefaction is the correct descriptor for the less dense region.

In a compressional (longitudinal) wave, particles in the medium oscillate back and forth, creating alternating regions of higher density (where particles are squeezed together) and lower density (where they’re spread apart). The term for the less dense region is rarefaction. This region corresponds to the lower pressure and reduced density as the wave passes. The other options describe different ideas: compression refers to the denser region, amplitude is about how big the wave’s displacement or pressure change is, and density peak points to the dense, compressed part. So rarefaction is the correct descriptor for the less dense region.

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