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What is in a longitudinal wave?
When something vibrates, like a loudspeaker, it compresses the air and increases the pressure of the air when it moves out. When the loudspeaker moves in it creates a partial vacum and a decrease in air pressure. The increase/decrease in air pressure is propagated thru the air (or any medium),as a longitudinal wave, by pushing the air in front of it. The part of the cycle which produces the decrease in pressure is called a "rarefacation" of the air.
Where does rarefaction occur?
When something vibrates, like a loudspeaker, it compresses the air and increases the pressure of the air when it moves out. When the loudspeaker moves in it creates a partial vacum and a decrease in air pressure. The increase/decrease in air pressure is propagated thru the air (or any medium),as a longitudinal wave, by pushing the air in front of it. The part of the cycle which produces the decrease in pressure is called a "rarefacation" of the air.
