Rarefaction

Rarefaction is a term used in physics and engineering to describe a reduction in density, the opposite of compression. This term is commonly used in wave theory to describe a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart, creating a region of lower pressure.

Physics and Engineering

In the field of physics and engineering, rarefaction is often discussed in the context of sound waves and shock waves. In a sound wave, rarefaction occurs when air molecules are spread apart, creating a decrease in pressure and density. This is the opposite of compression, where air molecules are pushed together, creating an increase in pressure and density.

In shock waves, rarefaction waves can occur behind the shock wave. This is often seen in explosions or supersonic flow, where the pressure and density decrease rapidly after the shock wave passes.

Wave Theory

In wave theory, rarefaction refers to the part of a longitudinal wave where the particles of the medium are spread apart. This creates a region of lower pressure, which is the opposite of a compression, where the particles are pushed together, creating a region of higher pressure.

In a sound wave, which is a type of longitudinal wave, the rarefactions are the regions where the air pressure is lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure. This is caused by the vibrating source moving back, allowing the air molecules to spread out.

See Also

• Compression (physics)
• Longitudinal wave
• Sound wave
• Shock wave

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