How are molecules during rarefaction?

During rarefaction, which occurs in a longitudinal wave, the molecules of a medium are spread apart, resulting in areas of lower pressure and density. This phase contrasts with compression, where molecules are closer together. In rarefaction, the energy of the wave causes the molecules to move away from each other, creating a region where the density of the medium is reduced. This process is essential for the propagation of sound waves through various media.