Sound waves travel through air as longitudinal waves consisting of a series of compressions and rarefactions.
Which statement correctly compares a rarefaction with a compression?
In a rarefaction, the air pressure is greater than in a compression.
In a rarefaction, the air density is lower than in a compression.
In a rarefaction, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, whereas in a compression they vibrate parallel.
In a rarefaction, the wavelength is half of the wavelength in a compression.
295 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics Sound, covering Sound. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.