Sound waves: longitudinal type with higher compression pressure

Steps:

• Identify wave type: Sound propagates through particle displacement parallel to direction of travel, defining it as longitudinal.
• Define compression: Region where particles are closer together, increasing density and thus pressure.
• Define rarefaction: Region where particles are farther apart, decreasing density and pressure.
• Compare pressures: Compression pressure exceeds rarefaction pressure due to higher molecular collisions.

Why B is correct:

• Longitudinal waves like sound have particle motion parallel to propagation; Boyle's law (P ∝ 1/V) shows compression (smaller volume) yields greater pressure than rarefaction (larger volume).

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Sound is longitudinal, but compression pressure is greater, not smaller, than rarefaction.
• C: Sound is not transverse (perpendicular particle motion, like light waves).
• D: Sound is not transverse, regardless of pressure comparison.

Final answer: B