What is the term for the area created when sound waves are forced together, resulting in positive pressure?

The term that describes the area created when sound waves are forced together, resulting in positive pressure, is compression. In the context of sound waves, compression occurs when air molecules are pushed closer together due to the movement of the sound wave. This denser region of air corresponds to a peak in the wave pattern, where the pressure is higher compared to the surrounding areas.

Understanding compression is fundamental in studying sound waves, as it contrasts with rarefaction, where air molecules are spread apart, leading to areas of lower pressure. The interplay of these two phenomena results in the propagation of sound waves through different mediums. Although reflection and diffraction are important concepts related to sound waves, they pertain to how waves interact with surfaces and obstacles rather than the creation of pressure zones within the wave itself.