Having established that a sound wave corresponds to pressure fluctuations in the medium, what can you conclude about the direction in which such pressure fluctuations travel

the pressure fluctuation is LONGITUDINAL

Explanation:

Sound waves are an oscillating movement of air particles, this can be analyzed in two different, but equivalent ways, as an air oscillation and with a pressure wave due to these oscillations.

The expression for the wave is

        ΔP = Δo sin (kx - wt)

Therefore, the pressure variation is in the same direction as the displacement variation, consequently the pressure fluctuation is LONGITUDINAL

molecules are free to separate from each other and will take on the shape of the container. molecules move completely at random and high speeds. they vibrate in a fixed position and do not move around much. molecules expand to the edge of their container.