What occurs during compression in sound waves?

During compression in sound waves, the molecules of the medium (such as air) are forced closer together. This occurs when a vibrating source causes an increase in air pressure in a localized area, which compresses the molecules. As these molecules are pushed together, they create regions of high pressure, which is a fundamental part of how sound propagates through a medium.

This movement is crucial for the transmission of sound; the successive compressions (high-pressure regions) and rarefactions (areas of lower pressure where molecules are spread further apart) form a wave. The alternating sequences of compression and rarefaction allow sound waves to travel long distances despite the individual air molecules only moving a short distance. Understanding this process is vital for interpreting how sound waves behave and are transmitted in various environments.