When sound waves are forced apart creating an area of negative pressure, this phenomenon is known as what?

The phenomenon where sound waves are forced apart, creating an area of negative pressure, is known as rarefaction. This occurs in a sound wave as it travels through a medium, like air, where alternating areas of compression and rarefaction form due to the vibration of particles. During rarefaction, the particles in the medium are spread out, resulting in a drop in pressure relative to the surrounding areas.

This is essential in understanding how sound waves propagate—areas of low pressure (rarefaction) alternate with areas of high pressure (compression), enabling sound to travel. This alternating pattern is critical for sound wave behavior, and recognizing rarefaction allows for a deeper understanding of wave dynamics in acoustics.

Other concepts, while related to sound, refer to different phenomena. Compression specifically deals with areas where particles are densely packed, wave interference involves the interaction between two or more waves, and echo refers to the reflection of sound waves off a surface. Understanding rarefaction and its role in sound wave propagation is fundamental for anyone studying audiology and sound physics.