What is another term for compression in sound waves?

Compression in sound waves refers to the region where the molecules of the medium (such as air) are pressed together, resulting in an increase in pressure. This occurs during the cycle of a sound wave, where areas of higher density and pressure (compressions) alternate with areas of lower density and pressure (rarefactions).

The term "condensation" can be used synonymously with compression, as it conveys the idea of molecules being brought closer together, leading to a localized increase in density. This understanding aligns with the behavior of sound waves, where the compression phase is critical for the propagation of sound through various mediums.

In contrast to condensation, the other options pertain to different aspects of wave behavior or phenomena not directly related to compression. Expansion, for example, refers to the opposite effect where sound wave molecules are spread apart, while rarefaction specifically denotes the regions of low pressure and density that occur between compressions. Conduction refers to the process of heat or sound traveling through a medium, which does not directly describe the characteristic phases of sound waves.